Pertamina and Pelita Air Elevate SME Products with In-Flight Shopping Programme

For micro, small, and medium enterprise (SME) players, producing quality products is part of the business journey. The next challenge is introducing the brand and products, accessing markets, and reaching a wider consumer base. Addressing this challenge, through the PAS Sky Shop programme, PT Pertamina (Persero) and PT Pelita Air Service (Pelita Air) have collaborated to present an in-flight shopping experience. This move provides a space for fostered SMEs to introduce and market their superior products to thousands of Pelita Air passengers at an altitude of over 35,000 feet. Through PAS Sky Shop, the public can now find and purchase a variety of curated local products made by SMEs while flying with Pelita Air.

PT Pertamina (Persero) Corporate Secretary, Arya Dwi Paramita, said SMEs play an important role in the Indonesian economy. They are a main pillar of people’s economic development and have proven to support national economic growth, create jobs, and improve community welfare. ‘As a State-Owned Enterprise, Pertamina is committed to fostering and empowering SMEs as an implementation of the Company’s Social and Environmental Responsibility,’ Arya said after signing a Memorandum of Understanding between PT Pertamina (Persero) and PT Pelita Air Service at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten. According to him, Pertamina also supports the achievement of the President’s Asta Cita, specifically the third point related to Creating Quality Employment and Entrepreneurship Development. Arya added that the Pertamina Group collaboration is a form of commitment to provide an ecosystem that can support SMEs to be involved in the corporate business process. Thus, it supports the government’s programme in creating quality jobs by encouraging the growth of the creative industry and continuing infrastructure development. ‘Pertamina hopes to help local entrepreneurs become more competitive and grow sustainably into tough, independent, and creative entrepreneurs,’ he added.

In line with this, President Director of PT Pelita Air Service, Faik Fahmi, stated that this initiative was born out of a genuine love for original Indonesian products. According to him, the synergy between Pelita Air and Pertamina in connecting SME development with market access allows business growth to run in tandem with national economic empowerment. Love for Indonesia, he explained, must be realised through real actions that provide sustainable benefits. He believes Pelita Air is the right marketing channel for Pertamina-fostered SMEs to be better known by the public. ‘We believe that when flight services can create economic added value while opening space for SMEs to continue growing, that is where connectivity not only connects regions but also drives the wheels of the nation’s economy,’ Faik explained.

One of the SMEs joining PAS Sky Shop is Bali Ayu Nature, a body care product manufacturer from Bali. Bali Ayu Nature Founder, Komang Yatik, expressed pride that her products can now be marketed to Pelita Air passengers. ‘I am very proud to have the opportunity to join this programme. Our products can now fly higher with Pelita Air. Hopefully, in the future, they will be known not only domestically but also in the international market,’ she said. Komang added that since becoming a Pertamina-fostered SME, her business has received various assistance, ranging from training, promotion, and exhibitions to business matching that connects her directly with potential buyers. ‘The development of our business is very noticeable. Besides the business becoming more advanced, we have been able to create jobs. Currently, about 90 per cent of our workforce are housewives, so this programme also has an economic impact on the surrounding community,’ she said. Another SME player, Rosilawati, founder of Uwaisgen from Klungkung, Bali, has also felt similar benefits. Through PAS Sky Shop, her traditional Balinese woven fabric bag products are now available on Pelita Air flights. ‘I am very proud because our work can be appreciated and flown to various regions. This programme also impacts traditional weaving craftsmen, most of whom are women, while opening up new job opportunities,’ she said. Meanwhile, Adabina Scarves founder, Heni Danasworo, presented an exclusive collection of hijabs and prayer garments that can only be obtained on Pelita Air flights. These products are specially designed with a Nusantara theme through soft batik motifs. ‘I really did not expect our products to pass curation and be sold on the plane. We designed them specifically only for Pelita Air, so customers cannot get them in our online or offline stores,’ she said. She hopes the products will be well received by passengers and further increase sales for local SMEs.