UMiMAX Pertamina Empowers Ultra-Micro Enterprises During Ramadan
Approaching iftar at the Cut Meutia Mosque in Jakarta, ultra-micro entrepreneurs nurtured under Pertamina’s Ultra Mikro Aksi (UMiMAX) programme served coffee and matcha to worshippers attending the breaking of the fast together. The activity forms part of an effort to empower small business operators who had previously faced economic difficulties to rise through independent ventures. The entrepreneurs involved utilised the equipment and coaching provided through the UMiMAX programme to develop their businesses.
One of them, Ahmad Gojali (38), previously worked as a salesperson before being laid off. After losing his job, he briefly worked as a parking attendant, earning around Rp1.5 million per month, just enough to meet basic daily needs. The opportunity to start a business came when he joined the Pertamina UMiMAX programme, which provides business equipment assistance and mentoring for low-income communities to start ultra-micro businesses. Through this support, Ahmad started a mobile coffee venture. Over time, his business grew and his earnings rose to around Rp3 million per month, helping to meet his family’s needs. ‘Alhamdulillah, what has changed is not only my income, but my self-belief that is starting to rise, allowing me to keep going,’ he said.
Vice President of Corporate Communications PT Pertamina (Persero), Muhammad Baron, said the UMiMAX programme, launched at the end of 2025, has supported 168 beneficiaries. ‘The programme was launched to support the government’s poverty-reduction targets,’ Baron said. He added that total grant funds disbursed exceed Rp1.17 billion. The UMiMAX entrepreneurs now have total turnover of more than Rp1.15 billion and total profits surpassing Rp416 million. The average weekly net margin for UMiMAX partners is recorded at 36.68 per cent.
Special in Ramadan, through Pertamina’s support, UMiMAX partners produced and distributed more than 15,000 cups of coffee and matcha as free takjil for worshippers at Cut Meutia Mosque. For the partners, this moment feels different. The businesses born out of economic desperation have become a channel for sharing. They continue to run their businesses with the programme’s support, while gaining economic strengthening, and at the same time they can help thousands of people break their fast.
‘UMiMAX Heroes’ community shows that with access and mentoring, a second chance can come true, proving they chose not to give up. Pertamina emphasises UMiMAX as a sustainable ultra-micro empowerment ecosystem, not just a grant, but an effort to restore economic independence and confidence among vulnerable communities.
Behind every cart returning to operation, there is a family with renewed hope. And in every cup of coffee shared at dusk during Ramadan, there is a story of struggle, solidarity, and blessings growing together.