PLN UP3 Parepare Involves MSMEs to Strengthen Electric Lifestyle Ecosystem

PT PLN Unit Pelaksana Pelayanan Pelanggan (UP3) Parepare, South Sulawesi, is collaborating with local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen the electric lifestyle ecosystem through various marketing programmes, particularly regarding electric vehicle usage. PLN UP3 Parepare Manager Muh Akbar stated in Parepare on Saturday that PLN is providing space for MSMEs at several new Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU) service locations, including in the Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) Regency area on the main route towards Enrekang. “These locations will serve as public stopover points as well as spaces for local MSMEs to market their products, such as coffee and regional culinary specialities,” he said. Currently, PLN UP3 Parepare has also partnered with a coffee shop outlet in the Parepare SPKLU area to provide the best service to customers. The SPKLU in Parepare is integrated with a commercial area, allowing users to relax, enjoy coffee, dine with family, or rest while the charging process takes place. Similar plans are also being made for several SPKLUs spread across the UP3 Parepare area, such as in Soppeng, Barru, and Sidrap. “This is an initial step. We hope this concept can be developed in more locations so that more MSMEs can benefit,” he said. Akbar explained that PLN continues to expand collaboration with MSMEs through various marketing programmes. MSME actors are also involved as partners in the company’s promotional activities and are encouraged to utilise electric-based equipment. PLN continues to strive to support MSME development, not only through the provision of reliable electricity supply but also by providing promotional space for business actors. “We provide opportunities for our MSME friends to sell and promote their products at various events we organise. Additionally, we also encourage the use of electric-based equipment,” he said. He noted that PLN regularly holds various activities involving the community, one of which is a volleyball match participated in by teams from Parepare. In these activities, MSMEs are involved to provide food and beverages. Afif Akhmadi, a local Parepare MSME actor who is a partner of PLN in the Parepare SPKLU area, said the collaboration opportunity with PLN was seized as an effort to increase marketing through the strategic location offerings provided by PLN near office areas. Furthermore, he believes the target consumers are the same as PLN’s, namely middle-up category customers, based on the assumption that electric car users are from the upper-middle class. “The hope from PLN is that it can become a traffic generator for each party’s marketing—mine with the coffee shop menu and PLN with the SPKLU and electric vehicles. That is perhaps the economic benefit,” he said.