Back
PT BAI and Ministry of Cooperatives & SMEs Host FGD to Develop Company-Assisted MSMEs
Mempawah, December 2, 2024 - PT Borneo Alumina Indonesia (BAI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (KUMKM) of the Republic of Indonesia, hosted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Developing Company-Assisted MSMEs.” The discussion aimed to establish collaborative strategies for empowering BAI’s assisted MSMEs to scale up and generate sustainable economic impact.
Yulius, Deputy for Micro Enterprises at KUMKM, noted that the FGD was initiated out of concern over the underdevelopment of MSME potential nationwide. He expressed hope that this session would provide new insights into improving MSME empowerment through corporate programs, and serve as a basis for more active and innovative policy-making.
“We’re concerned that many large corporations overlook the growth of MSMEs. Fortunately, PT BAI is actively running CSR programs that support local enterprises. What we aim to do now is deepen that support—enhancing their skills and broadening their access to valuable information, in collaboration with PT BAI,” said Yulius.
Over the past year, BAI has supported 10 MSMEs from villages in its operational ring—such as Bukit Batu, Sungai Duri I, Sungai Kunyit Laut, Sungai Bundung Laut, Sungai Kunyit Dalam, and Sengkubang—benefiting more than 50 individuals. According to the Q3 2024 report, BAI-assisted MSMEs have collectively generated over IDR 160 million in revenue. The empowerment program includes product marketing and sales training, packaging and licensing workshops, MSME showcases, and business management mentoring.
Leonard Manurung, President Director of BAI, emphasized that this FGD aligns with BAI’s CSR vision and provides valuable insights for enhancing its MSME development program. He believes that effective collaboration between the Indonesian Government (KUMKM), BAI, and local communities can elevate MSME capacity and create long-term impact.
“Through comprehensive guidance—including licensing, quality packaging, and access to broader market share—this initiative will significantly contribute to advancing our MSMEs. Ultimately, the success of this project hinges on how well we engage with and empower the surrounding communities. A strong, inclusive CSR program ensures mutual benefits, project continuity, and sustainable social acceptance,” said Leonard.
The FGD was attended by various local stakeholders, including MSMEs such as Karang Taruna Tri Karya, Sumber Rejeki, Ikan Jaya, Bintang Nusantara, and several Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) from Bukit Batu, Sungai Bundung Laut, and Sungai Kunyit Laut. Other participants included representatives from PKK Sungai Kunyit Laut, UKM Garko, UKM Saung Kite, Sungai Kunyit Sub-District Head Ir. Teddy Prawono, village heads Harianto (Bukit Batu) and H. Rusdiono (Sungai Bundung Laut), as well as Hefnizam, Secretary of Sungai Kunyit Laut Village. Also present were Kopi 101 Pontianak founder Mashita, PLUT KUMKM West Kalimantan Consultant Romy Hermanto, Assistant Deputy of Micro Business Financing KUMKM Irene Swa Suryani, and Mempawah BRI Branch Manager Raden Panji Rizqi Nuh Rahajo.
Sub-District Head Teddy Prawono welcomed the initiative and recommended holding similar sessions regularly to evaluate progress and address challenges.
“This FGD reflects PT BAI’s genuine concern for the community, especially in villages surrounding the company’s operations. We hope this program continues and brings growing benefits to the residents of Sungai Kunyit Sub-District,” said Teddy.
Through this FGD, BAI aims to strengthen collaboration among government, industry, and communities. Such initiatives not only build MSME capacity but also stimulate positive economic growth, particularly in the company’s immediate operating areas. BAI and the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs reaffirmed their commitment to empowering MSMEs as part of their contribution to both local and national economic development.