Jakarta, February 26, 2024 - PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero) consistently proves its commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the textile (national heritage) and handicraft sectors. This time, Pupuk Indonesia presents the charm of the Pupuk Indonesia Craft Fair 2024, held in Jakarta from February 26th to 28th, 2024. This event brings together dozens of MSMEs supported by Pupuk Indonesia, offering hundreds of products to various stakeholders, both locally and internationally, from different countries.

The Pupuk Indonesia Craft Fair was first held in 2024. This three-day event will feature several activities such as MSME bazaars and fashion shows involving all MSME products. The MSME bazaar is attended by 41 participants, including 35 MSMEs supported by the Pupuk Indonesia Group, five established brands, and Biofarma as an invited state-owned enterprise (SOE). Meanwhile, the fashion show will showcase products from supported MSMEs collaborated with renowned designers and established brands. At this event, Pupuk Indonesia invited representatives from various countries, including the Ambassadors of Morocco, Palestine, Poland, Jordan, Qatar, and Italy. To date, more than 20 MSMEs supported by Pupuk Indonesia have successfully marketed their products internationally.

Rahmad Pribadi, the President Director of Pupuk Indonesia, conveyed the commitment of the Pupuk Indonesia Group to advance MSMEs through training programs under the auspices of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) unit. The Pupuk Indonesia Craft Fair 2024 is a form of mentoring by the Pupuk Indonesia Group for MSMEs and the company's commitment to supporting Indonesian culture promotion through textile products. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of Decent Work and Economic Growth pillar, which Pupuk Indonesia pursues as the largest fertilizer producer in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa regions.

"Through this Pesona Kriya Craft Fair, Pupuk Indonesia introduces products and expands market networks for MSMEs. This event also serves as a platform for Pupuk Indonesia to appreciate the talents and creativity of MSMEs supported by the Pupuk Indonesia Group. To date, Pupuk Indonesia has provided training and financing assistance to 2,221 MSMEs across Indonesia. Among them, 257 MSMEs operate in various industries, including the creative industry," said Rahmad.

MSMEs are an important part of the national economy, contributing nearly 61% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing around 97% of the workforce. Training is conducted by providing capital loans and improving competencies so that MSMEs can produce competitive products nationally and globally, especially in the textile sector, predominantly operated by women.

Rahmad stated that the partnership between Pupuk Indonesia and MSMEs aims to create a sustainable ecosystem and enhance the economy and self-reliance of MSME players, particularly vulnerable women.

"We believe that every work produced by MSMEs has the potential to create positive impact. The showcased works reflect the diversity of cultures, traditions, and creativity that merge into an extraordinary collection from designers and craftsmen of MSMEs in Indonesia. Through this activity, we also invite the Indonesian community to collectively support the growth and existence of MSMEs in the country. This event is expected to be the embryo and sustainable initiative for the progress of MSMEs in Indonesia," added Rahmad.

The Pupuk Indonesia Craft Fair is a positive step for the Pupuk Indonesia Group in supporting inclusive and sustainable local economic growth. This event, held in commemoration of the 8th Anniversary of the Pupuk Indonesia Group Employees' Wives Association (PIKA-PI), is also expected to serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and collaborations that enrich the local fashion scene.

The Chairperson of PIKA-PI Group, Tata Rahmad Pribadi, also added that the PIKA-PI Group always supports the development of MSMEs supported by the Pupuk Indonesia Group. One of them is through the Pupuk Indonesia Craft Fair, which is an effort for MSMEs to move up the ladder. This is also in line with the theme of the PIKA-PI Group Anniversary in 2024, "Women's Support For Sustainability."

"The PIKA-PI Group realizes the importance of mentoring and developing MSMEs in harmony with preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage. We hope that the Pupuk Indonesia Craft Fair 2024 can significantly impact the development of MSMEs supported by the Pupuk Indonesia Group. Additionally, through this activity, we aim to provide opportunities for all MSMEs to reach international markets," concluded Tata Rahmad Pribadi.