From Local Products to Wider Markets: Aceh MSMEs Grow Alongside Pertamina's Rumah BUMN
Pertamina continues to strengthen community economic empowerment in Aceh through the Rumah BUMN Pertamina Aceh Tembilang and East Aceh centres. The presence of Rumah BUMN serves as a coaching hub for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to increase business capacity, strengthen product quality and competitiveness, and open access to wider markets.
Since commencing operations, the Rumah BUMN Pertamina Aceh Tamiang and East Aceh centres have cumulatively mentored 1,013 MSME actors. During this coaching process, the two centres have organised 321 training activities, facilitated MSMEs in 207 exhibitions and market expansion activities, and supported the issuance of 1,375 business legalities and certifications.
Coaching is conducted sustainably, adjusting to the specific needs and developmental stages of each MSME. This includes enhancing competence and business management, strengthening branding and packaging, digital marketing, fulfilling legal requirements and certifications, as well as facilitating promotion and participation in various marketing activities.
Within this coaching ecosystem, several local MSMEs continue to show significant progress. Notable examples include Nalura & Co, Madu Lusera, and Sahada—three leading MSMEs from Aceh Tamiang and East Aceh that transform local potential into economically valuable products.
Nalura & Co develops pandan weaving crafts by highlighting local wisdom and Acehnese culture. Established in 2017, the business utilises local pandan, which is processed into various craft products. Throughout its journey, Nalura & Co has continuously expanded its business management, product identity, marketing, and digital channel utilisation. While previously dominated by simple woven goods, the company has now developed a diverse range of products, including mats, prayer mats, cushions, wall decor, and various fashion accessories made from woven materials.
Through the guidance of Rumah BUMN Pertamina, Nalura &<0xC2>s Co has received support in branding, marketing, digitalisation, and product development. This mentorship encourages entrepreneurs to focus not only on production but also on building brand identity and packaging local cultural values as a product advantage. Product innovation is also encouraged so that pandan crafts can meet modern consumer tastes, ensuring traditional woven products remain functional and market-relevant.
“For us, Rumah BUMN is not just a place to get information, but also a space to discuss business development. We have come to understand that to level up, MSMEs must continuously learn and adapt, from products and branding to marketing and digital utilisation. We are also more confident in developing Nalura & Co because we have a place to consult when facing obstacles or wanting to try something new,” said Ratna Dewi, owner of Nalura & Co.
Madu Lusera follows a different path, developing honey products by utilising the natural potential of the Leuser region. Through various coaching programmes from Rumah BUMN Pertamina, the business has strengthened its management and marketing, leading to an increase in order volumes. The growth of Madu Lusera also benefits the local community through the involvement of local labour, while the use of e-commerce platforms has allowed the product to reach a wider national market.
Meanwhile, Sahada presents craft products such as wallets, bags, and various accessories by utilising previously unused materials, such as plastic and fabric. Based in Kuala Simpang, Aceh Tamiang, Sahada processes these materials into products that possess both functional and economic value. After participating in various coaching programmes, Sahada continues to expand its product variety and production capacity, reaching consumers well beyond its local region.
The journeys of Nalura & Co, Madu Lusera, and Sahada illustrate how gradual capacity building can help MSMEs optimise their potential. Through Rumah BUMN, MSME actors gain a space to improve competence, build networks, strengthen legality and product quality, and access various marketing opportunities.
Vice President of Corporate Communication at PT Pertamina (Persero), Muhammad Baron, stated that the company continues to encourage Rumah BUMN Pertamina to serve as a capacity development centre and a bridge between MSMEs and growth opportunities.
“Pertamina continues to encourage MSMEs to grow according to the stages and needs of their businesses. Through Rumah BUMN Pertamina, which is spread across 29 regions, we strive to provide assistance that not only improves competence but also helps open market access so that MSMEs become more independent, competitive, and capable of providing economic impact to the surrounding community,” said Baron.
The efforts of Rumah BUMN Pertamina in Aceh Tamiang and East Aceh have driven the improvement of MSME capabilities in Aceh, a model that is being applied in other Rumah BUMN Pertamina centres. Various standard activities include business mentoring, permit processing, certification, market expansion, and the management of copyrights and trademarks. This MSME coaching programme also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 regarding Decent Work and Economic Growth.