UMiMAX Pertamina Helps Laid-off Workers Rebuild, Now Sharing Free Fresh Drinks
At dusk near Masjid Cut Meutia in Jakarta, rows of coffee and matcha glasses sit neatly on a table. The call to prayer and the Iftar adhan heighten the moment as the aroma of refreshing drinks fills the air.
Behind the simple counter are ultra-micro entrepreneurs rather than professional baristas. They had once suffered job losses and hit rock bottom, but now choose to rise again with UMiMAX Pertamina.
Ahmad Gojali (38) clearly recalls the day he was laid off as a salesperson. Afterward, he tried to endure by working as a parking attendant, earning about Rp 1.5 million per month, just enough for meals, not enough to secure his family’s future.
“Life felt like moving in place. If I wanted to start a business I had no capital, if I wanted to work I still couldn’t find it, was confused about what to do,” he said.
Opportunity came when he learned about the Ultra Micro Pertamina Aksi programme (UMiMAX). The programme provides business equipment and periodic mentoring, targeted at laid-off victims and the economically disadvantaged to start ultra-micro businesses.
From the assistance and guidance received, Ahmad started a mobile coffee business. People gradually recognised him. His income is now around Rp 3 million per month. He can pay his rental and meet his families’ needs with more calm.
“Alhamdulillah, it’s not just income that has changed, but my self-confidence that is rising to continue living,” he said.
PT Pertamina (Persero) Corporate Communications Vice President 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 alleviation target,” Baron said.
Baron added that the total grant funds disbursed exceed Rp 1.17 billion. The UMiMAX entrepreneurs now have total sales turnover of more than Rp 1.15 billion and total profit exceeding Rp 416 million. The weekly average profit margin of UMiMAX partners is recorded at 36.68 percent.
Free Coffee and Matcha
Specifically during Ramadan, with Pertamina’s support, UMiMAX partners produced and distributed more than 15,000 cups of free coffee and matcha as iftar for worshippers at Masjid Cut Meutia.
For the partners, the moment feels different. A business born out of economic pressure now serves as a means to share. They continue to run their businesses with programme support, still strengthening their economy but also helping thousands of people break their fast.
“We have been in need of help before. Now it’s incredible to be able to share,” said one UMiMAX partner.
The ‘UMiMAX Heroes’ community shows that with access and mentoring, a second chance can be realised, proving they choose not to give up. Pertamina emphasises UMiMAX as a sustainable ultra-micro empowerment ecosystem, not merely capital support, but an effort to restore financial independence and the confidence of vulnerable communities.
Behind every cart back in service there is a family regaining hope. And in every cup of coffee shared at sunset during Ramadan lies a story of struggle, solidarity and blessing that grows together.