Sengkang, With the spirit of participating in the regional economic development in its operational area, Mr. Farid Gaffar, as the General Manager for Energy Equity Epic (Sengkang) Pty.Ltd (EEES), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Regent of Wajo, Mr. Haji Amran Mahmud, S.Sos., M.Si., to commit in enhancing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Wajo District. The MoU signing was held at the Wajo Regent’s office on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, and was also witnessed by Mr. Agung Budi Darmoyo, as the Operating Committee of PT. Energi Maju Abadi.
On the same occasion, the General Manager of EEES, witnessed by the Regent of Wajo, also awarded Achievement Scholarships to outstanding students from 24 Elementary, Junior High, and Vocational High Schools originating from Gilireng District. This act is one of the forms of collaboration between EEES and the Local Government of Wajo District for improving education in the region.
The Regent of Wajo, Mr. Haji Amran Mahmud, S.Sos., M.Si., expressed appreciation for the efforts made by EEES to contribute to the welfare of the community in its operational area. “As the Regent of Wajo, I would like to thank EEES, which consistently exists in providing attention in the form of Scholarships and the development of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) as well as social community activities in its operational area,” he explained.
This mutual commitment was followed up with a cooperation agreement to conduct training activities for making Brown Sugar, organized by both institutions, which is expected to be the initial step of this commitment for the development of skills and knowledge of MSMEs in Wajo District.
The training event was held at Hotel Sermani Sengkang, involving about 30 MSME actors from several Districts in Wajo District, involving experienced instructors to guide participants in the application of theory and practice of making brown sugar from raw materials of nira water or palm sugar.
The Head of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs Department of Wajo District, Andi Asho Ashari, S.T., M.Si., affirmed the mutual commitment of the Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs Department of Wajo District with EEES to support the major agenda of the local government in increasing the number of entrepreneurs and their role expected to drive economic growth at the local level. “I am grateful to EEES as this training is a concrete step of collaboration in supporting the major program from the Regent of Wajo to create 10,000 new entrepreneurs. We hope through this training, a new generation of strong and innovative business operators will emerge. Their contribution is expected to enliven and strengthen the local economy, as well as create a significant positive impact for the people of Wajo District.”
Meanwhile, the Field Operations Manager of EEES, Hadayullah Hamid, stated his company’s commitment to complying with applicable regulations and the importance of cooperation with the local government to run Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs that impact the economic development and welfare of the local community. “We see it as an absolute obligation to run CSR programs in accordance with the rules that have been set. The Work Procedure Guideline (PTK) 017 SKK Migas is the main directive for companies like us. We recognize the importance of collaborating and coordinating with the local government, as well as implementing CSR programs as part of the company’s social responsibility. This partnership becomes a strong foundation in supporting local economic growth and providing real benefits for the community around our operational area,” he firmly stated.
This training not only serves as a learning forum but also as a means of exchanging ideas, experiences, and building good relationships among MSME actors.
The realization of the collaboration between EEES and the Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and SMEs of Wajo District creates real opportunities to transform the sustainability of MSMEs in Wajo District. This is concrete proof that solid cooperation brings hope for the future of MSMEs in the area. (bf)
