Pertamina SMEXPO 2023 in Pekanbaru, Featuring 30 Outstanding MSMEs and Presenting Several Exciting Events

Pekanbaru, November 16, 2023 - PT Pertamina (Persero) is organizing the Pertamina SMEXPO 2023 exhibition in Pekanbaru as part of its efforts to support and promote local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The exhibition is held for five days (November 15-19, 2023) at Living World, with the theme "From Local to Global."

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, revealed that SMEXPO 2023 has been held in three other cities, namely Jakarta, Balikpapan, and Semarang, and has received appreciation from the public. It is expected that the Pekanbaru edition will receive similar appreciation.

"Pertamina SMEXPO 2023 is not just an MSME products showcase but a platform for Pertamina to enhance MSMEs' capabilities and skills in reading market trends," Fadjar explained.

In addition, Pertamina is providing space for inclusive MSMEs by involving a disability community called "Sobat Istimewa" to appreciate creativity in various outstanding products.

Rudi Ariffianto, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Hulu Rokan, stated that SMEXPO 2023 is a tangible effort to introduce MSME products widely through various activities.

"This is a concrete manifestation of Pertamina's commitment to sustainability pillars, especially in implementing coaching programs as an inclusive part of the Pertamina Sustainable Economy," he said.

Rudi added that, following the current trends, MSME products are becoming more prominent and evolving into an industry with significant potential, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

In Riau, Pertamina has supported around 2,860 MSMEs through various training activities, exhibitions, promotions, and certification assistance.

This coaching initiative is Pertamina's effort to elevate MSMEs, enabling them to compete and penetrate international markets.

"We hope that entrepreneurs can continue to explore creativity in producing products while paying attention to local potential," Rudi said.

In addition to showcasing MSME products, Pertamina SMEXPO in Pekanbaru features attractive activities such as talk shows to enhance the MSME actor's capacity in digital marketing, photography, and business planning with expert speakers, success stories from business actors, eco-print craft-making practice, a coffee competition, news reading competitions, life shopping, and entertainment.

According to Rudi, this step is Pertamina's effort to bring MSME products closer to the community.

The 30 MSMEs present are under the guidance of Rumah BUMN Pertamina around Riau, Pertamina Hulu Rokan, PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional RU II Dumai, and Patra Niaga Region Sumbagut.

Rudi explains that, in MSME coaching, Pertamina adopts a measured and sustainable approach.

"We believe coaching is a long-term investment to create excellent human resources and contribute to sustainable economic development," he explained.

Furthermore, in supporting sustainable development, Pertamina encourages MSME actors to pay more attention to environmentally friendly production practices, such as using production waste to create products that are not only artistic but also have high market value and quality.

"We invite everyone to make Pertamina SMEXPO 2023 a real proof of advancing MSMEs, creating harmonious collaboration from all parties as a form of support for MSME actors in developing creative ideas, to continue innovating so that MSME products can strengthen their position on the global stage," he added.

Evarefita, SE, M.Si., Head of Riau Energy and Mineral Resources Agency, stated that Riau has great potential from various aspects, including the MSMEs potential and the creative economy, which continues to grow significantly. Business actors need continuous support to compete both domestically and globally.

"We hope that Pertamina SMEXPO 2023 could trigger MSMEs to increase productivity and skills in the production process and to improve capabilities to contribute optimally," she said.

Evarefita also believes that Pertamina SMEXPO 2023 can be a milestone for the rise of MSME products in the Riau province, giving birth to quality creative works accepted in national and international markets.

"We hope that the synergy between the Riau Provincial Government and Pertamina continues to be strong, providing real benefits to MSME actors and supporting sustainable economic growth," she said.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**