Tri Handayani, owner of CV Raja Patin Indonesia, detailed the journey of her business leading to the first export of patin fish skin crackers to Malaysia. This initial shipment comprised 3,800 packs or 2.5 tons. As a partner of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumatera Bagian Utara (Sumbagut), she received support in the form of mentoring, training, funding, business equipment grants, and participation in national and international exhibitions. Tri, who joined Pertamina's partner program in 2019 and graduated from UMK Academy in 2021, has been a successful and independent partner since 2022. She attributes her business success to perseverance and resilience. Her products are now available in many minimarkets. "Our annual revenue before exporting reached IDR 3 billion. Thankfully, with everyone's prayers and support, Raja Patin has made its first export," said Tri at the Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency (BPPMHKP) Medan 1, Deliserdang, on Friday, July 5, 2024. Acting Governor of North Sumatra Agus Fatoni expressed hope that Raja Patin's export volume will continue to grow, emphasizing the significant opportunities available, particularly through digital technology. He encouraged MSMEs to advance with capital assistance, human resource development, and promotion.
Currently, there are 1.16 million MSMEs in North Sumatra, employing 80% of the total workforce. The fisheries sector in North Sumatra has 138,000 hectares of fish farming land, producing 163,000 tons of fish, including 11,000 tons of patin fish. From January to May 2024, North Sumatra's fish export volume reached 62,000 tons, valued at USD 293 million. "The fisheries potential in North Sumatra is vast, but the MSMEs processing it are still minimal," added Fatoni. Susanto August Satria, Area Manager of Communication, Relations, and CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumatera Bagian Utara, stated that this inaugural export demonstrates the significant potential of North Sumatra’s MSMEs to grow and compete in the global market. The first export release is hoped to inspire other MSMEs to innovate and develop their products. Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut supports achieving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Point 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth, through MSME funding and development programs.
