PANGKALPINANG -- Amid economic challenges that have weakened consumer purchasing power, supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has become an important step in helping businesses sustain their operations. One tangible form of support is the utilization of MSME products in various activities organized by PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk.
The Company continues to uphold this commitment as part of its efforts to empower local economies and strengthen the development of MSME partners within its operational areas.
Recently, several PT TIMAH-assisted MSMEs once again received product orders to support corporate activities. These orders have provided a welcome boost for business owners who are currently facing declining revenues due to economic conditions and rising raw material costs.
One of the beneficiaries is Sundari, owner of Pempek Udang Aak Sun, who has been a PT TIMAH MSME partner since 2016. For this particular event, her business received an order for 150 packages of shrimp pempek.
According to Sundari, this was not the first order she had received from PT TIMAH. Throughout her partnership with the Company, her business has been entrusted multiple times to provide food products for various corporate events.
“Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful for this order. It has truly helped our business, especially since our revenue has declined by nearly 50 percent,” she said.
She added that she has experienced many benefits since becoming a PT TIMAH-assisted MSME partner. In addition to increasing public awareness of her products, PT TIMAH also provided production equipment assistance in the form of a freezer box, which has helped improve storage capacity.
“Our products have become more widely known. Last year, we also received production equipment assistance in the form of a freezer box, making it easier to store larger quantities of products,” she said.
Furthermore, Sundari noted that PT TIMAH actively supports the promotion of MSME products through exhibitions and the Company’s social media platforms.
“We are frequently supported through promotional activities, both at exhibitions inside and outside the region, and through PT TIMAH’s official social media channels,” she added.
A similar experience was shared by Pipiet Pantiaw Pitriningsih, owner of a processed food business who has been a PT TIMAH-assisted MSME partner since 2017.
On the same occasion, her business received an order for 150 half-kilogram packaged products to support a corporate event.
“Alhamdulillah, we have received orders from PT TIMAH many times. This order is especially helpful because sales have been declining recently,” she said.
Pipit explained that current business conditions are quite challenging. In addition to weakened consumer purchasing power, rising raw material prices have also increased production costs and product prices.
“Yes, our revenue has decreased. Raw material prices have gone up, which has forced us to increase selling prices. As a result, consumers’ purchasing power has also declined,” she explained.
According to Pipit, becoming a PT TIMAH-assisted MSME partner has had a positive impact on her business, particularly in increasing sales and expanding market reach.
She also mentioned that PT TIMAH has facilitated her participation in various exhibitions and trade fairs, both locally and outside the region.
“A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to participate in a trade fair in Bandung. I have also frequently joined bazaars in Sungailiat, Pangkalpinang, and PT TIMAH anniversary events. Activities like these greatly help promote our products,” she said.
Through its MSME development program, PT TIMAH not only provides business financing assistance and production facilities but also helps open market access by incorporating MSME products into various corporate activities.
This initiative is part of the Company’s commitment to driving community economic growth, strengthening the competitiveness of local MSMEs, and creating sustainable business opportunities.
Both Sundari and Pipit expressed hope that PT TIMAH will continue to grow and sustain the MSME empowerment programs that have benefited many entrepreneurs.
“We hope PT TIMAH continues to prosper, achieve greater success, and keep contributing to society and MSME development,” Sundari said.
Similarly, Pipit hopes PT TIMAH will continue supporting the promotion and marketing of MSME products amid ongoing economic challenges.
“We hope PT TIMAH continues to grow and remains committed to helping promote MSME products so that we can survive and continue to develop,” she concluded. (*)
