The article describes how PT Pertamina (Persero), through its Pertamina Foundation, launched Pertamina SMEXPO Regional Yogyakarta 2025, held at Plaza Ngasem from 26 to 28 September 2025. The event, under the theme “Lokal jadi VOKAL” (“Local Becomes Vocal”), aims to support and uplift local micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). It features UMKM participants from programs such as PFpreneur and UMK Academy, as well as those from Central Java’s Regional Cluster (RJBT), involving around 35 local craftsmen, fashion producers, and culinary businesses. Pertamina's leadership emphasised that SMEXPO is a concrete effort to enhance UMKM quality so they can gain recognition and competitiveness, both nationally and globally.
Additionally, city officials, including the Vice Mayor of Yogyakarta, highlighted the historical significance of Plaza Ngasem as a hub of community activity and noted that hosting SMEXPO there injects enthusiasm and stimulus into the local economy. Pertamina asserts that the event is consistent with broader government goals—creating quality employment, fostering entrepreneurship, developing creative industries, and continuing infrastructure development. The SMEXPO program started with its Merah Putih kickoff in Jakarta in mid-August 2025 and proceeds through regional roadshows in several Indonesian cities, culminating in a national SMEXPO event in November in Tangerang.
