Sobat Istimewa: Pertamina's Support for the Disabled Developing MSMEs

Jakarta, November 4, 2023 - Physical limitations do not hinder the creative movement of people with disabilities in crafting and fostering entrepreneurial self-sufficiency. In line with this, PT Pertamina (Persero) this year introduced the Social and Environmental Responsibility program "Sobat Istimewa", focusing on fostering inclusive Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the disabled and people with special needs.

Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, explained that Pertamina has long been involved in fostering MSMEs to promote community self-sufficiency and economic growth. Inclusivity in MSMEs became an extension of this program, inviting communities from various backgrounds to thrive, including women, the disabled and people with special needs.

"Our focus in empowering individuals with disabilities is on developing entrepreneurial aspects, enabling our Sobat Istimewa to grow based on their talents and suitable business types. This program is a step for Pertamina to encourage the disabled to be more confident, functional, and independent," expressed Fadjar.

To materialize this positive support, Pertamina provides space for MSMEs, including those under the umbrella of Pertamina's inclusive 'Sobat Istimewa' to showcase their creative products through the Pertamina Small Medium Enterprise Exhibition, or Pertamina SMEXPO 2023. This exhibition features quality products from supported MSMEs and is currently being held at Gandaria City Mall until Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Attendees at SMEXPO not only have access to quality MSME products but can also engage in various activities such as talk shows, entertainment from renowned local artists, and enticing offers, including a 5% discount for transactions over IDR 100,000 and payment through the MyPertamina app.

Pertamina SMEXPO is also hosted in Balikpapan (October 26-28, 2023), Semarang (November 3-5, 2023), and Pekanbaru (November 15-19, 2023). Pertamina also provides a virtual digital platform for those unable to attend in person, allowing them to view and purchase MSME products at www.smexpo.pertamina.com.

Yesaya Rapha, the Project Manager of the Menembus Batas Foundation, shared the immense spirit and resourcefulness of people with disabilities in creating and contributing to the MSMEs’ growth. Menembus Batas Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports disabilities in developing the business potential to enhance their well-being.

"Many of our supported disabled friends have their MSMEs. Hence, many of them have an entrepreneurial spirit," Rapha stated during the " Kita (Tidak) Terbatas untuk Berkarya" talk show at SMEXPO 2023 on Friday, November 3, 2023.

According to Rapha, the SMEXPO event can raise awareness and interest from companies and the general public to support disabilities, thus altering the stigma against inclusive individuals in career development.

"Pertamina SMEXPO is a tremendous and inspiring activity. Overall, for State-Owned Enterprises, including Pertamina, there has been significant support, starting from employing disabled workers to various training programs. I hope that in the future, more disabled individuals will be further engaged, and society at large will be more attentive and empathetic towards our disabled friends," he expressed.

At Pertamina SMEXPO 2023, there are six inclusive MSMEs: Kresna Patra, Safina Quilt, Merajut Asa Kita, Rumah Jahit Lestari, Mutiara Handycraft, and Batik Sasambo.

Sri Setyaningsih (42), one of the fostered partners that owns Kresna Patra, revealed that they have employed 400 disabled friends who actively contribute to the production process. Kresna Patra, a Difabeulpreuner business group from Boyolali, specializes in producing clothing made from batik.

"Kresna Patra has empowered approximately 400 disabled friends. Because Kresna Patra's products are crafted and designed by our disabled friends," she shared with Bisnis.

Sri further explained that since joining as a Pertamina-fostered MSME, Kresna Patra could provide more extensive training and empowerment to several disabled friends. As a fostered MSME, Sri's business also experienced higher revenue. In a month, they recorded a gross revenue of up to IDR 50 million.

Meanwhile, Elis, one of Pertamina's Sobat Istimewa and the owner of Merajut Asa MSME, expressed her appreciation for Pertamina. The SMEXPO exhibition and its educational discussions and talk shows were seen as highly inspirational.

"I am glad to participate in Pertamina SMEXPO. My products are becoming more recognized, and there are many other engaging activities, such as talk shows. There are numerous benefits in joining Pertamina, and I convey my gratitude to Pertamina," 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.**