Cirebon, 11 November 2025 — PT Pertamina (Persero), through its subsidiary PT Patra Jasa, is implementing a Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Cirebon Regency. The programme, entitled ‘BNSP National Food Safety Training and Certification’, took place from 9-11 November 2025 at the Patra Cirebon Hotel & Convention, and was attended by 50 MSME from various business sectors in the Cirebon Regency area.

This activity is the result of collaboration between PT Patra Jasa and the Cirebon Regency Business Development Service (BDS), with the support of the BNSP Professional Certification Agency (LSP), which focuses on improving the competence of MSME, so that the food products produced meet quality standards, are safe, and are fit for consumption.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Head of the Cirebon Regency Cooperative Office, Dr Alex Suheriyawan, S.H., M.Pd.I, the Head of Kedawung Sub-district, Moh. Firdaos Agih, S.T., M.M., and the General Manager of Patra Cirebon Hotel & Convention, I Gusti Made Juniarta, along with a team of assessors from the Cirebon Regency BDS.

During the training, participants received comprehensive materials. The activity began with an online session discussing the certification scheme and competency units, accompanied by simulations and case studies, followed by a face-to-face session covering portfolio form filling, supporting document verification, and joint consultation with assessors. The final stage was closed with a BNSP competency test which included observation, interviews, simulations, and portfolio verification.

As part of the hands-on practice, participants also took part in kitchen practice with Chef Pardin from Patra Cirebon Hotel & Convention, who provided training on hygienic food processing, serving techniques, and the application of basic food safety principles in the production kitchen. In addition, participants were also provided with material on digital business development, including online marketing strategies, local product branding, and the use of social media to expand market reach.

Through this approach, the programme is expected to not only strengthen participants’ understanding of food safety principles, but also encourage innovation and business digitalisation so that MSMEs become more competitive and sustainable.

In his speech, General Manager of Patra Cirebon Hotel & Convention I Gusti Made Juniarta said that this activity is a concrete step by Patra Jasa in supporting the capacity building of MSME players in the region.

‘‘These competency improvement efforts encourage MSME players to obtain professional certification in accordance with national standards, while also supporting the government’s programme in realising national food security. We hope that this activity will also raise awareness of the importance of maintaining hygiene, quality, and sustainability in the production process. In the future, we want more MSME players to grow into successful entrepreneurs who are able to create new jobs for the community,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Cirebon Regency Cooperative Office, Dr. Alex Suheriyawan, who was also present at the event, considered the BNSP training and certification to be highly relevant to the needs of strengthening the MSME sector in the region.

‘‘MSMEs are the main pillars of the people’s economy. We are currently drafting the Cirebon Regency Cooperative and MSME Regional Regulation for the first time, which is expected to strengthen collaboration between the government and all elements of the pentahelix. Through this BNSP certification, the competency standards of MSME players will increase, thereby driving the growth of the people’s economy and strengthening national food security,’’ explained Alex.

Through this activity, PT Patra Jasa reaffirms its commitment to supporting community empowerment and SME capacity building, as part of its tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of employment, economic empowerment, and food security.