SKK Migas Southern Sumatra Representative Office Head Adiyanto Agus Handoyo officially opened the event, while PetroChina acting communications manager Afdal also gave an opening speech. Serving as main speakers were Cooperatives and SME Ministry assistant deputy of marketing Destry Anna Sari, Bukalapak merchant community & engagement lead Ian Agisti Dewi Rani and Maicih Cassava Chips founder Reza Nurhilman.

Adiyanto said the small businesses were the main drivers of Indonesia’s economy. “During the pandemic, small businesses are demanded to have more sophisticated strategies to adjust themselves amid social distancing and other Covid-19 health protocols. As more small businesses in Jambi flourish, more people will be able to enjoy the province’s local products.”

Afdal said that the webinar was part of PetroChina’s continuous support for small businesses around its operational area in Jambi province. “Throughout our operatorship of Jabung Block, SKK Migas-PetroChina Jabung has always cared so much about the small businesses in our work area. Together with relevant agencies, we design development programs for these small businesses to help them boost their potentials.”

Destry said that the government would provide support for small businesses to get through the pandemic. She said that the government had a three-pronged strategy to help small businesses alleviate pandemic burden, comprising tax incentives and credit relaxation and restructuring, trainings and global standardization on small business players.

Ian Agisti shared data from global agency We are Social that cited Indonesians’ optimism on digital technology. “E-commerce has skyrocketed in Indonesia in recent years, with 68 percent of Indonesians being online shoppers,” she said.

She also encouraged local small business players to market their products through digital channels and expand their market reach.

Reza shared Ian’s sentiments, saying that small businesses would reap numerous benefits from digital marketing, including boosting sales, saving marketing cost and becoming closer with customers. “Have a strong and clear concept, and then market your products online in unique ways. Be innovative in making your customers curious. If you can make them curious, you can make them buy your products,” he said.