Pertamina Strengthens Innovation for Women's SMEs to Advance on Kartini Day 2026

In commemoration of Kartini Day, PT Pertamina (Persero) through its Rumah BUMN programme organised the Kartini 2026 Webinar online on Wednesday (22/4), attended by more than 500 micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) actors from various regions in Indonesia.

Carrying the theme ‘Enhancing Competitiveness, Innovation, and Market Access for SMEs’, this event represents a tangible manifestation of Pertamina’s commitment to encouraging MSMEs to become increasingly resilient and capable of advancing amid global dynamics.

VP CSR & SMEPP Management PT Pertamina (Persero), Rudi Ariffianto, highlighted the current global economic challenges, including rising production costs that impact MSMEs’ selling power.

‘MSMEs are currently being tested for their resilience. However, our economic indicators show fairly good conditions. Strong resilience must be accompanied by innovation and perseverance so that MSMEs can open new market opportunities and continuously enhance their competitiveness,’ said Rudi, quoted from his statement on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

The webinar featured inspirational speakers, including Nilamsari Sahadewa, Founder of Kebab Turki Baba Rafi, who shared experiences in building a business from a cart scale to penetrating international markets. She emphasised the importance of a strong business foundation, work culture, and resource readiness in facing business growth, including strategies for building brands and handling crises.

Currently, Kebab Turki Baba Rafi has more than 1,600 outlets in 10 countries, serving as a successful example of an Indonesian MSME that can compete in the global market. In line with that, Pertamina through 30 Rumah BUMN has mentored 15,884 MSMEs. From January to March 2026, there were 1,323 certifications, 267 training sessions, and 179 local exhibitions facilitated for mentored MSMEs.

VP Corporate Communication Pertamina, Muhammad Baron, affirmed that MSME empowerment is part of the company’s strategy in creating sustainable impact. ‘Pertamina is committed to continuing to support MSMEs to become increasingly resilient, adaptive, and competitive, so they can grow and penetrate wider markets, including global ones,’ he said.

The momentum of Kartini Day serves as a reminder that the spirit of struggle, innovation, and resilience must continue to live within Indonesian MSME actors to step further and bring local products to the world stage.