Sabira Island MSMEs Target National Market
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Sabira Island, Thousand Islands, are being continuously encouraged to expand their market reach to a national level. One such effort involves introducing various processed seafood products during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organised alongside the Association of Oil, Gas, and Renewable Energy Producing Regions (ADPMET).
Through this activity, PT Jakarta OSES Energi (PT JOE) is facilitating the promotion of its mentored MSME products as part of the company’s commitment to expanding market access and improving the welfare of coastal communities.
The Director of PT Jakarta OSES Energi, Astar Simorangkir, stated that community empowerment is a vital component of managing the 10 per cent Participating Interest (PI). He noted that the company’s presence must deliver direct economic benefits to the communities surrounding its operational areas.
“PT JOE does not only focus on managing the 10 per cent PI of the Southeast Sumatra Working Area, but also bears the responsibility to drive community economic growth. Through the promotion of Sabira Island’s mentored MSMEs at this national forum, we aim to open wider market access so that local products become more widely known and competitive,” Astar said in a statement on Monday.
During the FGD, themed ‘Strengthening and Legal Certainty in the Management of 10% Participating Interest (PI) in Accordance with Statutory Provisions’, the company showcased various flagship processed seafood products from Sabira Island. The exhibited products included mackerel fish sticks, mackerel fish balls, mackerel fish crackers, and salted scad, all of which have been modernised in packaging and hold halal certification.
These products were introduced to forum participants from various sectors, including ministries, regulators, regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) managing the 10 per cent PI, local governments, academics, and oil and gas industry players from across Indonesia.
The participation of Sabira Island MSMEs in this forum serves as a platform to demonstrate that the Thousand Islands community is capable of producing high-quality products with the potential to compete in broader markets.
Astar emphasised that energy sector development should proceed hand-in-hand with the improvement of community welfare. Consequently, the company continues to implement various social and environmental responsibility programmes focused on sustainable economic empowerment.
“Our hope is that MSME players not only gain promotion opportunities but are also able to build new business networks, increase sales, and create a stronger, more independent local economy. The success of energy management must provide direct benefits to the community,” he added.
The various processed fish products on display garnered significant attention from FGD participants. In addition to serving as a promotional tool, the activity opened opportunities for marketing collaborations with various parties, including local governments and oil and gas industry players.
Fatimah, one of the mentored MSME owners from Sabira Island, expressed that participating in a national-scale forum is a valuable experience for her business development. She noted that the guidance provided by the company has helped the processed fish products from the outermost island become more widely recognised.
“We are very grateful to PT JOE for always supporting us and providing opportunities to participate in various exhibitions. Our products are now more widely known and have even begun receiving orders from outside the Thousand Islands. This motivates us to continue improving our product quality,” said Fatimah.
Fatimah revealed that before receiving guidance, her monthly turnover ranged from Rp3 million to Rp4 million. Following training, improvements in packaging quality, halal certification, and opportunities to attend exhibitions, her sales turnover has increased to approximately Rp7 million to Rp10 million per month.
She noted that this increase has not only impacted family income but has also created jobs for local residents. As demand for the products rises, she involves local women in Sabira Island in the production and packaging processes, ensuring that the economic benefits are widely shared within the community.
Through this programme, PT JOE reaffirms its commitment as the manager of the 10 per cent PI of the Southeast Sumatra Working Area, focusing not only on energy sector governance but also on strengthening the community economy through MSME empowerment. This step is expected to enhance the competitiveness of local products, expand market access, and strengthen the sustainable economic growth of the Thousand Islands community.