TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Pre-employment Alumni & SRC SMEs: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
O
n Nov. 29, 150 groups from the Sampoerna Retail Community (SRC), Pojok Lokal (local corner) SMEs and pre-employment card alumni gathered at the Pangeran Hotel ballroom in Pekanbaru, Riau province, to celebrate their achievements through the Kumpul Jasa (gathered services) program. This initiative goes beyond mere training sessions, representing a transformative process for both small business owners and the pre-employment program alumni who mentored them.
The program is a collaboration between the pre-employment program management office (PMO) and PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna) through Sampoerna Entrepreneurship Training Center (SETC) under Sustainability Program Umbrella “Sampoerna for Indonesia”. The program stands as a testament to how strategic partnerships can empower communities. Renowned for developing high-quality SMEs capable of penetrating export markets, SETC supports local SMEs in Riau by connecting with pre-employment alumni.
Collaborative components of the program
The program brought together three key elements: SRC local corner SMEs, pre-employment card alumni and SETC mentors. The alumni, already equipped with basic skills, received further training to assist SMEs in Riau. Each team of three to four alumni supported one SME, guided by mentors who ensured that the assistance was skill-based and effective.
“Our goal is to empower SMEs to reach the next level,” said Bagus Arya Kusuma, an SETC mentor. He noted that many SMEs initially had simple packaging for their products. With the help of alumni, SMEs improved their product presentation and bookkeeping, while modernizing their marketing strategies.
Success stories and empowerment
One particular success story is that of Eirene Suastica Nurmia, a housewife who had recently completed the pre-employment program. She mentored a group representing Tent Salad, a fruit salad business owned by Mrs. Dian in Dayun District, Siak regency. Initially out of her comfort zone, Eirene learned new skills such as graphic design and business management, going far beyond her earlier training in workplace safety and Microsoft Excel.
“At first, I was nervous about doing things I’d never done before. Imagine, I started with basic training and ended up designing product packaging,” Eirene said. With the support of the pre-employment alumni community and SETC mentors, she gained confidence, learned to use design apps and crafted digital marketing strategies.
Mrs. Dian also saw immediate benefits, with her upgraded packaging and logo design boosting her confidence to promote her products on social media. "Now, Mrs. Dian is more enthusiastic about updating her products online," Eirene noted.
Transformative impact
The program showcased tangible improvements for participating SMEs. Simple product packaging evolved into more attractive designs, while managerial skills and financial accuracy also improved. During the program’s peak event, nine top-performing groups presented their achievements, with three being awarded for their innovation and impact.
“This program is designed to leave a lasting impact on both SMEs and pre-employment alumni,” Bagus explained.
A Model for sustainable growth
Kumpul Jasa highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Pre-employment alumni, once equipped with basic skills, now serve as facilitators influencing SME growth. Meanwhile, traditional SMEs are adapting to modern market demands.
The program benefits both parties as alumni gain valuable experience to enhance their skills, while SMEs receive tailored assistance to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. Eirene summarized her journey, saying, “I’m not just helping others, I’m learning things I can apply to my own business. The knowledge here is endless.”
Sustaining momentum
Sampoerna's head of external affairs, Arief Triastika, expressed pride in the initiative, emphasizing its relevance in today’s environment. “We’re honored to be part of this activity. It’s a highly relevant initiative for the community. We hope SMEs and alumni alike will build portfolios, expand networks and deepen their expertise,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Dwina M. Putri, director of partnerships, communication and ecosystem development at PMO Prakerja, emphasized the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration. “This partnership between the government, businesses and the community is key to developing human resources and driving sustainable economic growth,” she said, urging continued support for such programs to foster a conducive ecosystem for local SMEs.
With dedication and vision, Kumpul Jasa remains more than just a temporary initiative; it marks the beginning of transformative change for SMEs and pre-employment alumni in Riau. Stories like Eirene’s and Mrs. Dian’s exemplify how synergy between government programs, the private sector and communities can create lasting, meaningful impact while aligning with the government’s goal of achieving 8 percent economic growth.
