This collaboration seeks to strengthen national economic resilience and growth, while highlighting the importance of a people-centered economy through the development and empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

A milestone in this effort was marked when Sampoerna’s Sampoerna Retail Community (SRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five SOEs: Perum BULOG (State Logistics Agency), PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk., PT Pos Indonesia (Persero), PT Pertamina Retail and PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel). 

The signing took place during the Pesta Rakyat untuk Indonesia 2025 event, themed “Sampoerna Strengthens people’s economic independence through national competitiveness and cross-sector synergy”, held at the Smesco Building on Aug. 22–23. 

The MoU embodied the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) among the private sector, SOEs and MSMEs in advancing equitable prosperity, through concrete and integrated initiatives from upstream to downstream. 

“The strategic cooperation agreements between SRC and five leading SOEs are among the initiatives that accelerate access to goods and services at 250,000 SRC-assisted grocery stores,” said Sampoerna president director Ivan Cahyadi. 

He went on to explain how each collaboration with the SOEs would bring tangible benefits to communities. Through its partnership with Perum BULOG, Sampoerna will help expand the Rumah Pangan Kita (RPK) network, enabling people to access essential food at affordable prices and contributing to stronger national food security.  

Meanwhile, cooperation with BRI will focus on advancing financial literacy and inclusion by introducing the Tabungan SRC powered by BRImo program and expanding BRILink agents. This initiative will give MSMEs greater access to financing and digital financial services through the SRC store network. 

With Pos Indonesia, the collaboration will see the distribution of official stamps to 1 million retail outlets and the expansion of logistics service points across the country, ensuring that people, even in remote areas, can access services more easily and efficiently. A partnership with Pertamina Retail will designate SRC stores as official Pertamina bases, creating a more equitable and targeted distribution system for LPG gas within communities.  

Finally, cooperation with Telkomsel will strengthen digital inclusion by integrating broadband services into SRC stores, giving MSME entrepreneurs and local communities wider access to the digital economy. 

Ivan affirmed that this commitment extends across Sampoerna’s value chain and is aligned with the national agenda. “Sampoerna fully supports the government’s efforts to enhance national competitiveness and promote industrial downstreaming as a foundation for sovereign development that benefits the Indonesian people,” he stated. 

This commitment is reflected in Sampoerna’s initiatives covering its entire value chain, from upstream to downstream. In the upstream sector, Sampoerna and its supplier partners engage in partnership programs with more than 19,500 tobacco and clove farmers through technical assistance to improve agricultural quality and productivity, backed by guaranteed crop purchases.  

Many partner farmers also cultivate food commodities, supporting food self-sufficiency. In the production sector, Sampoerna operates nine production facilities and partners with 43 Third Party Operators (TPO), owned by cooperatives and local entrepreneurs across 31 cities/regencies in Java.  

(Courtesy of HM Sampoerna)

To support business operations, Sampoerna also collaborates with 1,700 local goods and service suppliers. “Currently, we employ more than 90,000 people, both directly and indirectly. Sampoerna also consistently enhances the quality of our human resources, drives innovation and creates an inclusive working environment,” Ivan said.  

Downstream, Sampoerna markets its products to 30 export destinations and the domestic market, collaborating with more than 1.5 million retailers across Indonesia. 

Ivan further emphasized that as part of Sampoerna’s commitment to contributing to society and fostering social equity, the company continues to introduce initiatives that empower and improve the welfare of Indonesian communities.  

One of Sampoerna’s latest initiatives is Sampoerna Karya Bangsa, which offers various training programs for the public to develop skilled workers and encourage the growth of independent entrepreneurs. 

“As President Prabowo has said, the strength of the Indonesian nation lies in unity. As a company born and operating in Indonesia for 112 years, this spirit is the foundation of Sampoerna’s sustainability, to grow together with society, to support one another and to collaborate in building people’s economic independence toward Indonesia Emas [Golden Indonesia] 2045,” Ivan said. 

Pesta Rakyat untuk Indonesia 2025 also served as a collaborative space for experts, practitioners, MSMEs and communities to connect, learn and grow. Hundreds of universities students and entrepreneurs attended workshops, discussions and exhibitions showcasing leading MSME products, aimed at strengthening the MSME ecosystem, encouraging innovation and expanding market access. 

Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto expressed support. “This event is concrete proof of how the concept of ‘Indonesia Incorporated,’ as initiated by President Prabowo, can be realized to safeguard Indonesia’s economic resilience through collaboration among the government, businesses, media and MSMEs.” 

He emphasized that digitalization strengthened SRC’s vast retail network and highlighted the inclusivity of the Sampoerna Entrepreneurship Training Center (SETC), which also benefits entrepreneurs beyond SRC. “Only with strong MSMEs can the economy thrive,” he said in a press conference.

Consistent 

MSMEs Minister Maman Abdurrahman, also expressed appreciation. “I would like to extend my highest appreciation to Sampoerna, which has remained consistent in collaborating with other corporations to foster and grow MSME entrepreneurs across Indonesia.” 

Sampoerna director Elvira Lianita underscored the company’s roots. “Sampoerna was established 112 years ago as an MSME. That’s why we consistently support the development of MSME entrepreneurs,” she said in a Leadership Talk session. 

Through SRC, which has digitalized 250,000 grocery stores across Indonesia, Sampoerna helps traditional retailers transform with training, digital tools and integrated technology. In addition, the AYO by SRC digital platform, launched in 2019, connects retailers with buyers, expands market reach and helps boost local product sales 

Elvira noted that digitalization can increase shop turnover by up to 200 percent. Currently, 90 percent of SRC’s 250,000 members are connected through AYO by SRC, while 1,600 MSMEs have entered the digital ecosystem, 80 percent of which are actively using the technology. 

Apart from that, Sampoerna operates the SETC in Pasuruan, East Java, which offers training in production, packaging, market access and digital adoption.  

At the session, Ibu Rohma, a member of SRC, expressed her gratitude to Sampoerna for supporting the growth of her business. She shared that since joining SRC, her enterprise has embraced digitalization initiatives introduced by Sampoerna. “Now, our bookkeeping is more organized than before, and we are also able to maintain sustainable stock,” she said. 

Deputy Business Development Minister in the MSME sector Reza Damanik revealed that Indonesia’s current per capita income is around US$4,000. By 2045, just 20 years from now, it is projected to reach approximately $7,500 marking a significant increase of about $3,000. 

As MSMEs remain a vital pillar of the Indonesian economy, with an estimated 65 million enterprises nationwide, the government is prioritizing their development and empowerment. 

Reza emphasized the importance of transformation. “MSME entrepreneurs must continuously adapt to changing markets while enhancing quality and productivity. This is why partnerships with large companies within supply chains are essential to elevate MSMEs to the next level,” he said. 

Produced by JP Creative Team in collaboration with HM Sampoerna