Pertamina Encourages Dozens of MSMEs to Be Active and Empowered During Ramadan

PT Pertamina (Persero) is leveraging the momentum of Ramadan to push micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand the marketing of their products through participation in a range of strategic exhibitions. In the Jabodetabek area, dozens of Pertamina-mentored MSMEs are involved in several exhibition activities at the start of Ramadan. Muhammad Baron, Vice President for Corporate Communications at PT Pertamina (Persero), said Ramadan is an ideal time to strengthen the role of MSMEs as drivers of the national economy. During this period, consumption rises, spanning iftar meals, clothing, religious items, and Lebaran hampers. “Through participation in Ramadan exhibitions, we hope MSME products become more widely known and more readily accepted by the public. This also broadens market access so local products have stronger competitiveness,” Baron said. From 2–6 March 2026, 26 MSMEs participated in the Pertamina Small Medium Enterprise Expo (SMEXPO) Ramadan held at Grha Pertamina, Jakarta. Participants comprised 20 Pertamina-mentored MSMEs and six others operating in the culinary, fashion, and jewellery sectors. The exhibition targeted workers in the Pertamina environment and leveraged the high demand for iftar meals and Lebaran preparations. According to Baron, staging exhibitions in office environments provides opportunities for workers who do not have time to prepare meals at home to buy iftar dishes. In addition, fashion and jewellery products were also in demand as items ahead of Lebaran or holidays. Similar activities also took place at the Dhawafest Exhibition at the Ministry of Finance from 4–6 March 2026. In this event, 12 Pertamina-mentored MSMEs in the crafts, food and beverage, and Muslim fashion sectors participated. The exhibition was not only visited by ministry staff but also by visitors to the building premises. At the opening of Dhawafest, Pertamina received an award for its participation and contribution to the development of MSMEs. The award was presented by Ida Yulidina Purbaya to the Chairwoman of Pertamina’s Persatuan Wanita Patra. In addition, Pertamina also took part in the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) held 5–8 March 2026 at ICE BSD City, Tangerang. In this exhibition, six MSMEs in the export-oriented furniture and craft sectors showcased their products to reach domestic markets as well as export opportunities. Going forward, Pertamina will also participate in the Ramadan Bazaar of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources from 10–12 March 2026. Six MSMEs in the food and beverage sector and Muslim fashion are slated to participate. Baron views the Ramadan exhibition series as delivering tangible benefits to MSMEs, from increased turnover and expanded business networks to enhanced production capacity to meet broader market standards. “The MSME empowerment programme is part of Pertamina’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable national economic growth,” he said. One of the MSMEs taking part in SMEXPO Ramadan was Kartini, owner of Pempek Syamil from Palembang. She sees the event as an opportunity to introduce distinctive regional products to a wider market. “Participation in SMEXPO Ramadan greatly helps broaden our customer reach and increase sales. Pertamina’s support also makes us more confident to continue growing,” she said. Through these activities, Pertamina hopes its hosted MSMEs will grow further and bring local products to compete in broader markets, including at the global level.