Through Batik, PGN Promotes Inclusive Economy for SMEs and People with Disabilities
Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk (PGN), as the Gas Subholding of PT Pertamina (Persero), is promoting an inclusive economy for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and children with disabilities through batik-making activities.
PGN Corporate Secretary Fajriyah Usman, in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, said that through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, PGN is collaborating with MSMEs mentored by Zaliva to provide a creative space for children with disabilities at the Batik Bordir & Aksesoris Fair 2026 in Surabaya from 6 to 10 May 2026.
This collaboration not only showcases creative works from local MSMEs but also opens up active participation opportunities for children with disabilities to develop their potential, creativity, and self-confidence through batik training and direct involvement in the exhibition.
“This programme not only provides a space for expression but also opens up inclusive economic opportunities for children with disabilities and mentored MSMEs,” she said.
Fajriyah continued that this initiative is part of the company’s efforts to deliver sustainable empowerment, not solely focused on economic growth but also on creating equal opportunities for all segments of society.
“PGN believes that every child has equal potential and opportunities to develop. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide an inclusive space so that children with disabilities can channel their creativity, build self-confidence, and have opportunities to become more independent through the works they produce,” she said.
During the exhibition, five children with disabilities from Rumah Anak Prestasi participated in batik demonstration activities at the PGN MSME booth.
These children with hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities not only displayed their batik skills but also interacted directly with visitors, demonstrating that creativity and the spirit of creation can grow without limits.
“We want to give broader experiences to children with disabilities to be brave in showing themselves, displaying their works, and feeling that the creations they make have value and receive appreciation from the community,” Fajriyah said.
In addition to providing a creative space for children with disabilities, PGN also brought five outstanding mentored MSMEs from Garut, Padang, Palembang, Tangerang, and Depok.
The presence of these cross-regional MSMEs reflects PGN’s commitment to expanding market access and enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses.
By 2026, PGN has mentored hundreds of MSMEs in various regions with a focus on inclusive economy-based empowerment.
Fajriyah emphasised that empowering MSMEs and vulnerable groups is part of PGN’s sustainability strategy in building an inclusive and competitive economic ecosystem, in line with the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles within the company.
Zaliva mentee MSME owner Zakiyah Fitri expressed her appreciation for PGN’s support, which opens up wider spaces for children with disabilities to continue creating and interacting with the community.
“Children with disabilities have extraordinary creativity and learning spirit. With PGN’s support, they get a space to create while directly feeling appreciation from the community. This becomes a very valuable experience for them,” she said.
She added that currently around 30 children with disabilities are actively participating in skills training with Zaliva, from batik-making to creating various handicrafts.
This mentoring not only aims to hone motor skills and creativity but also opens up opportunities for independence in the future.
Looking ahead, PGN and Zaliva are committed to continuing the training programme sustainably so that children with disabilities can continue to develop economically valuable skills, while strengthening the role of MSMEs as drivers of inclusive economy in society.