Empower UMKM in South Sumatra: Pertamina Plaju Plant Collaborates with Students for the Third Time
In a bid to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) in South Sumatra, the Pertamina Plaju plant continues to push for progress and empowerment. As part of their corporate social responsibility and environmental commitment, the oil and petrochemical processing company in Palembang aims for advancement not only within the company but also within the surrounding community, including UMKM players.
Third Small Medium Enterprise Empowerment Competition (SMEEC)
For the third time since 2021, Pertamina Plaju Plant hosted the Small Medium Enterprise Empowerment Competition (SMEEC) in 2024, themed “Embracing Innovations for Sustainable Growth.” This competition saw collaboration between students from various universities in South Sumatra (Sumbagsel) as they mentored eight UMKM beneficiaries.
The participating universities included Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Raden Fatah, Universitas Bengkulu, and Universitas Kader Bangsa (UKB) Palembang. The competition garnered significant interest from students, with 118 teams registering from different campuses in Sumbagsel. After a rigorous selection process focusing on the participants’ SWOT analysis skills regarding the UMKM they would be mentoring, the competition narrowed down to eight teams.
Students Experience Business Firsthand
Siti Rachmi Indahsari, the Area Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR at Pertamina Plaju Plant, emphasized the importance of developing UMKM through the creativity of young individuals who can grasp modernization and digitalization trends. She highlighted the valuable experience that students would gain by directly engaging with business owners and identifying potential areas for improvement to elevate their businesses.
Rachmi’s words resonate with the students’ eagerness to contribute to the growth and modernization of the eight UMKM in Plaju and Banyuasin I districts. These UMKM are expected to enhance their operational capabilities, expand their market reach, and increase their revenue and profits significantly.
Culinary, Fashion, and Handicraft Businesses
The UMKM beneficiaries cover a diverse range of industries, including culinary arts, fashion, and handicrafts. From Kentang Mustofa by Azalea Catering, which transforms potatoes into ready-to-eat meals, to UMKM Mahar Palembang Murah, specializing in creative wedding gifts made from paper and coins, each business brings a unique offering to the table.
The competition not only serves as a platform for student collaboration and innovation but also provides tangible support to UMKM participants. With a coaching session led by business practitioners from Palembang, the students gain valuable insights into addressing the challenges faced by UMKM and developing concrete solutions to enhance their businesses.
Through programs like SMEEC, Pertamina Plaju Plant continues to champion the growth and sustainability of UMKM, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment among students and entrepreneurs alike.
