Upgrading MSMEs: Pertamina Takes 71 MSMEs to the Pasar Senggol Turkiye 2023

Istanbul, September 11, 2023 – PT Pertamina (Persero), in collaboration with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), is participating in the Pasar Senggol Turkiye 2023 exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey. The MSMEs' involvement in this exhibition reflects Pertamina's fostered MSMEs' progress in demonstrating their ability to compete in the global market.

The Pasar Senggol Turkiye is an economic and cultural festival of Indonesia, initiated by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Istanbul, the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Worldwide, and the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises. The Pasar Senggol exhibition aims to promote Indonesian culture and provide a platform for Indonesian entrepreneurs in Turkey, especially those in the food and culinary product industry.

"In the future, the Pasar Senggol Turkiye can serve as a platform for Indonesian MSMEs to enter the Turkish market, as part of the MSMEs Go Global initiative to boost the national economy," said Consul General (Konjen) RI in Istanbul, Turkey, Darianto Harsono.

Meanwhile, Special Staff III of the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Arya Sinulingga, revealed that this is the second time state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have supported the Pasar Senggol Turkiye, as it provides an opportunity for SOE-supported MSMEs to collaborate with businesses in Turkey. "SOEs view follow-up actions after the exhibition and ongoing collaborations as crucial steps towards MSMEs going global," Arya explained.

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, explained that Pertamina's role is to enhance its fostered MSMEs’ quality so they become successful entrepreneurs, including expanding their consumer base globally. "Pertamina has the UMK Academy program to train and develop MSME products so they can upgrade, making their products more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Exhibitions abroad, such as in Turkey, are one of the avenues we use for this purpose," Fadjar stated.

In addition to showcasing products, the Pasar Senggol Turkiye also facilitates business matching activities, particularly for the restaurant sector. At this event, Indonesian MSMEs have the opportunity to meet with several Indonesian restaurants in Turkey, such as Warung Nusantara, Warteg Nuriye, Urip Restoran, Imkonezia Restoran, Bakmi Indonesia, Koali Lounge & Dine, and the Indonesian Entrepreneur Community in Istanbul.

Arum, the owner of Warteg Nuriye from Brebes, has a positive outlook on these business meetings, making it easier for her to source raw materials from Indonesian MSMEs. Arum appreciates the visit from Pertamina-fostered MSMEs and other SOEs.

"Until now, I have been using a courier service (jastip). I am very pleased that this time, raw materials can be facilitated through collaboration with Indonesian MSMEs," she said.

At the Pasar Senggol Turkiye, Pertamina is showcasing 71 outstanding MSME products, primarily from the culinary sector, including spice blends, rendang, various crackers, brown sugar, shredded meat, various chips, coffee, noodles, and chili sauce. Additionally, there are fashion products such as batik and woven fabric. These products originate from various cities in Indonesia, including Bogor, Tangerang, Balikpapan, Palangkaraya, Kepulauan Meranti, Semarang, Situbondo, Payakumbuh, and Jakarta.

"Indonesia has tremendous potential to produce high-quality and competitive products. Therefore, support is needed to boost MSMEs' confidence and encourage their entry into international markets," Fadjar conveyed.

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.**