PT Pertamina (Persero) is actively supporting its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand globally. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the company held a ceremonial send-off for the first export shipment of natural fiber woven baskets by PT Agrominafiber Java Indonesia to the United States.

Nearly 10,000 baskets worth USD 57,200 (around IDR 957 million) were shipped from Kebumen, Central Java. The baskets were sent via Tanjung Mas Port, Semarang, and will be sold at 1,700 Ross Department Stores in New York.

Rudi Ariffianto, VP of CSR & SMEPP Management at PT Pertamina, said this achievement shows the company’s dedication to empowering MSMEs.

“Pertamina is committed to helping MSMEs grow by providing training, exhibitions, business matching, and financing facilitation. This first export from Kebumen to America proves that consistent promotion and support can increase international buyers’ trust,” he said.

The Agrominafiber Journey: From Fisheries to Export Markets

Agrominafiber started in 2020 as a fishery business named Agromina. Surrounded by natural resources like banana stalk fibers, the company shifted focus to natural fiber crafts.

Today, Agrominafiber supplies banana stalk and pandan fibers to craftsmen in Yogyakarta, Bali, and Tangerang. Founders Rudi Hermawan and his wife Novita have developed products such as baskets, mats, and woven lamps.

In 2023, the company made its first international export by selling 1,000 lampshades to Argentina valued at IDR 400 million during the Inacraft exhibition.

Operating as a social enterprise, Agrominafiber involves 80 local fiber suppliers, 70% of whom are women aged 40 to 60 from Keraden Village, Karanggayam District. The business also employs 15 craftsmen and staff, plus three online marketers.

Pertamina’s Strategic Role in Economic Empowerment

This MSME program is part of Pertamina’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL), aiming to develop community economies and entrepreneurship aligned with Indonesia’s Asta Cita goals.

Pertamina supports MSMEs via its Foundation Preneur program, UMK Academy, and SMEXPO. These programs offer quality improvements, intensive training, business mentoring, access to exhibitions, business matching, and intellectual property certification.

Kebumen Regent Hj. Lilis Nuryani, present at the event, expressed hope that this empowerment will advance small businesses and Kebumen’s economy.

Commitment to SDGs and Energy Transition

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, VP Corporate Communication of Pertamina, stressed that this export success reflects the competitiveness of local products supported by strong communication, branding, and promotion strategies.

“This achievement shows that local products can compete globally when supported by the right communication and promotion. Pertamina will continue to offer strong programs to expand market access for MSMEs. This aligns with the Government’s Asta Cita, especially in creating quality jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and strengthening creative industries,” Fadjar said.

Pertamina also reaffirmed its commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2060 through impactful programs linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in all business and operations.

The export ceremony was attended by Kebumen Regent Hj. Lilis Nuryani, Director of Export Development for Manufactured Products from the Ministry of Trade Deden Muhammad Fajar Shiddiq, Pertamina’s VP CSR & SMEPP Rudi Ariffianto, and other stakeholders.

PHOTO: PERTAMINA

This article was created with AI assistance.