Pertamina's UMiMAX Programme Helps Layoff Victims Rise Again and Share Hope

In the late afternoon at Cut Meutia Mosque in Jakarta, a row of coffee and matcha glasses sits neatly on a table. The call to prayer echoes, guiding the iftar, enhanced by the aroma of fresh drinks. Behind that simple table, it is not a professional barista serving, but ultra-micro business operators. Those who once lost their jobs and stood at their lowest point, now choose to rise together with the Ultra Micro Pertamina Aksi (UMiMAX) programme. Ahmad Gojali (38) still clearly remembers the day he was made redundant as a sales representative. Afterward, he tried to survive by becoming a parking attendant. His monthly income was around Rp 1.5 million, just enough for food. Yet far from sufficient to plan for his two children's future. Opportunity came when he learned about the Pertamina UMiMAX programme, which provides business equipment assistance and periodic coaching. The programme targets laid-off workers and economically disadvantaged communities to start ultra-micro businesses. From the aid and mentoring he received, Ahmad started a roaming coffee business. Gradually, customers began to know him. Now, his income has risen to around Rp 3 million per month. With that income, Ahmad can pay the house rent and meet his family's needs more calmly. Muhammad Baron, Vice President of Corporate Communications at PT Pertamina (Persero), said that the UMiMAX programme, launched in late 2025, has provided support to 168 beneficiaries. “The programme was launched to support the government's poverty alleviation targets,” he affirmed. Baron added that the total grant funds disbursed have exceeded Rp 1.17 billion. The UMiMAX business operators now have a total turnover of more than Rp 1.15 billion and total profits surpassing Rp 416 million. The average weekly profit margin of UMiMAX partners is recorded at 36.68 percent. For the partners, that moment feels different. After all, businesses born out of economic pressure can now serve as a means to share. They continue to run their businesses with the programme's support, gaining economic strengthening, and can help thousands of people break their fast at the same time.