If the program can be done massively and professionally, it will certainly advance the BUMDes and create rural economic independence.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir has called for the formation of a special team to accelerate the implementation of the Pertashop -- small-scale gas station unit -- partnership program with Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes).

"We fully support the collaboration along with the Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Ministry. I also ask for a special team to curate and accelerate the collaboration," he said at an online seminar here on Wednesday.

Friendly investment from SOEs by involving the local communities is something that should be done, the minister said. Balanced village economic development is important to ensure that people can work, he added.

The ultra-micro as well as micro, small, and medium enterprise sector is the main economic backbone of the Indonesian community currently, Thohir noted. Thus, the small and micro business actors in rural areas must not be underestimated, he stressed.

Related news: 2,547 Pertashops built as of August 28: minister

For this reason, state-owned oil and natural gas corporation PT Pertamina is offering partnership opportunities for operating mini gas stations through Pertashop, supported by state-owned bank Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Tbk, which was socialized on Wednesday, the minister said.

"Though the gas stations are mini, they have big potential and if God wills, the impact will also be huge. The program has a proven business model, clear market share, and affordable investment. It shows BRI's huge commitment on capital and banking access for business actors in rural areas," he added.

In addition, Pertashops will have a large multiplier effect, provide access to quality fuel at the same price as regular gas stations, and absorb the workforce, Thohir said.

"If the program can be done massively and professionally, it will certainly advance the BUMDes and create rural economic independence," he remarked.

Earlier, he had said that the construction of 10 thousand Pertashop units in the next three years is aimed at helping create job opportunities for the community.

Furthermore, the oil and gas company has cooperated with Islamic boarding schools and regional entrepreneurs to accelerate the target achievement and realize its commitment to provide quality energy uniformly across Indonesia, he added.

Besides fuel, Pertashops will also distribute other Pertamina products such as liquid petroleum gas and lubricants, he said.
Related news: BNI, Pertamina to rope in MSMEs to run Pertashop outlets

Translator: Aji Cakti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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