Makassar, October 15, 2025 — In line with the spirit of Asta Cita as envisioned by the President, support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—a vital pillar of the national economy—must be continuously strengthened. As part of the 356th Anniversary celebrations of South Sulawesi Province, PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) actively participated and collaborated with the local government to invigorate the real sector.
As a manifestation of this commitment, PT Vale took part in the UMKM Expo “Andalan Hati”, themed “Sulsel Maju dan Berkarakter 2025” (South Sulawesi: Progressive and Character-Driven 2025), held over five days from October 15 to 19, 2025, at the Mandala Monument, Jenderal Sudirman Street, Makassar.
During the opening ceremony on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman expressed his hopes for enhancing the capacity of MSME players. He also acknowledged the contributions of supporting companies, including PT Vale, by presenting a certificate of appreciation for their role in achieving a record-breaking feat: the largest serving of vegetarian dishes and coffee beverages, a highlight of the Expo’s opening festivities.
Empowering Local MSMEs
Endra Kusuma, Head of External Relations at PT Vale Indonesia, emphasized that the company’s presence at the Sulsel Expo reflects its core values of transforming natural resources into sustainable prosperity.
“Today, PT Vale is proud to participate in the UMKM Expo, part of the 356th South Sulawesi Anniversary celebration. We are showcasing a variety of MSME products nurtured through our community development programs, including keripik pangkilang (fish chips), Kopi Matano, banana snacks, red ginger sarabba, teng-teng (traditional peanut snacks), and many more,” he stated.
These products are not merely household creations but the result of ongoing capacity-building efforts by PT Vale in collaboration with communities surrounding its operational areas. For Endra, this participation is a strategic move to expand market access for Vale-supported MSMEs.
“This is our effort to ensure that Vale’s MSME products gain broader recognition—not only in East Luwu but across South Sulawesi,” he added. “We aim to maximize sales and generate tangible economic impact for the community.”
On the first day of the Expo, 150 cups of Kopi Matano were served to visitors, with plans to distribute 50–100 cups daily throughout the event. Coinciding with World Coffee Day and World Vegetarian Day, PT Vale distributed approximately 200 cups of Kopi Matano to attendees.
The coffee originates from farmers in Nuha Village, near Lake Matano, an area adjacent to PT Vale’s nickel mining operations. The beans are processed and served by MSME partners under PT Vale’s guidance.
Government and Private Sector SynergyPT Vale’s support for the 2025 UMKM Expo was warmly received by the South Sulawesi Provincial Government.
“This event is truly remarkable,” said Governor Andi Sudirman after visiting several booths. “The products are impressive. We hope events like this continue and that companies like PT Vale remain committed to supporting them.”
The Governor also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and private enterprises in strengthening MSME capacity—through training, financial assistance, and product packaging support, especially for MSMEs in rural areas.
Echoing this sentiment, Iqbal Suhaeb, Chair of the South Sulawesi Anniversary Committee, stated that the UMKM Expo is set to become an annual agenda. This year, nearly 100 local MSMEs participated.
“PT Vale is one of the companies supporting this event, and we hope this contribution continues in line with the Governor’s direction,” said Iqbal. “As we know, PT Vale has extensive experience in MSME development—providing capital support, improving business management, marketing, and helping entrepreneurs enhance their competitiveness,” he added.
In addition to showcasing local products and Kopi Matano, PT Vale also demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and healthy living. During the event, which set a record for the largest serving of vegetarian dishes and coffee beverages, PT Vale was honored with an award from the Indonesian World Achievement Institute (LEPRID). The award was presented directly by Paulus Pangka, Founder and Chairman of LEPRID, in recognition of PT Vale’s support in achieving this milestone.
Future Participation in South Sulawesi’s MSME Mall
Looking ahead, PT Vale will also take part in the South Sulawesi Provincial Government’s upcoming MSME Mall initiative—a dedicated space for promoting and marketing local products. “PT Vale will contribute to the MSME Mall by showcasing products from our partner communities,” said Endra Kusuma.
