Pertamina Empowering 350 Women-Led MSMEs to Conquer National and International Markets via PFPreneur Program

PT Pertamina (Persero), a leading energy company in Indonesia, has significantly bolstered its commitment to national economic growth by empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Following a rigorous selection process and comprehensive training program, Pertamina proudly announced the selection of 350 women entrepreneurs (womenpreneurs) as participants in its prestigious PFPreneur program on Friday, February 28th, 2025. This initiative marks a crucial step in Pertamina's broader strategy to foster entrepreneurship and contribute to Indonesia's economic development.

These 350 selected women-led MSMEs will receive vital capital stimulation and progress to a business incubation phase facilitated by the Pertamina UMK Academy. This academy provides a structured curriculum designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive market. The curriculum encompasses essential business modules covering financial strategy, marketing techniques, and modern business application usage, aligning with the government's focus on digitalization.

The program has received enthusiastic support from the Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria. He emphasized the transformative impact of the PFPreneur program in preparing Indonesian womenpreneurs for both domestic and global markets. He highlighted the program’s practical approach, focusing on equipping participants with the tools to identify and address key business challenges, from financial planning to effective marketing strategies. "This program provides invaluable experience," stated Nezar, "allowing MSMEs to understand their challenges and develop effective strategies for both financial management and targeted marketing." Moreover, he stressed the crucial role of digitalization in empowering MSMEs, encouraging them to leverage digital platforms offered through initiatives like the UMKM Go Digital program.

Pertamina's commitment to empowering MSMEs underscores its dedication to national economic growth. This aligns seamlessly with the Asta Cita vision of the Prabowo Subianto administration, with a particular focus on creating high-quality employment opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the creative industry. As Vice President Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, explained, "PFPreneur is a program designed to promote economic independence and growth through entrepreneurship. We hope the selected MSMEs will produce high-quality, competitive local products capable of national and export success."

The program further strengthens human resource development, champions the vital role of women in the economy, and promotes the downstream processing of high-quality Indonesian products to add value domestically. One notable success story is Exobrooch, a 2023 PFPreneur graduate and Champion of UMK Academy in the "Go Green" category. Exobrooch showcases the transformative potential of the program by creating zero-waste fashion products from textile scraps. Inspired by local culture, these products have achieved significant market success.

The rigorous selection process reflects Pertamina's dedication to supporting only the most promising ventures. From a pool of 13,860 applicants, 350 MSMEs were chosen after undergoing a five-stage selection process. This comprehensive process included assessments of business plans, product quality, professional management skills, pricing strategies, employee management, and proficiency in utilizing modern applications.

The program’s structure, designed by Pertamina Foundation's President Director Agus Mashud S Asngari, incorporates pre- and post-tests to meticulously measure participant knowledge and skill development throughout the program. The PFPreneur program serves as a vital gateway for MSMEs, strengthening their foundations and providing a supportive ecosystem. The program is open to even ultra-micro enterprises, offering a free platform for learning, growth, and achieving success in local, national, and international markets. Pertamina's commitment to supporting the Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2060 target and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligns with its implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across all its operations.

The 350 selected womenpreneurs will participate in a comprehensive curriculum at the Pertamina UMK Academy, covering areas such as Go Modern, Go Digital, Go Online, Go Global, and Go Green. This holistic approach ensures they are equipped to navigate the evolving business landscape and achieve sustainable success. This substantial investment in women-led MSMEs underscores Pertamina's commitment to a more inclusive and prosperous Indonesian economy.