Makassar – PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Tarakan Field introduced North Kalimantan Batik created by Kubedistik (Disability Batik Joint Business Group) to the national stage during the Road to the 46th Anniversary of the National Handicraft Council (Dekranas), held in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on July 10, 2026. The presence of this batik product reflects the Company's commitment to promoting inclusive community empowerment through the development of a creative economy rooted in local wisdom. Kubedistik is a business group formed to strengthen the economic independence of persons with disabilities in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan, and has been a partner in PEP Tarakan Field's CSR program since 2019.

The Road to the 46th Dekranas Anniversary event was organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources/Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (KESDM) together with Dekranas, carrying the theme "Entrepreneurship Mentoring and Regional Craft Product Development for MSMEs Around Mining and Upstream Oil and Gas Areas." Kubedistik Batik was showcased before several national figures, including Dekranas Daily Chairperson Tri Tito Karnavian, Dekranas Deputy Daily Chairperson II Sri Suparni Bahlil, Dekranas Head of New Entrepreneurship Metty Herindra, as well as regional government officials and stakeholders in the energy sector.

Head of Communication Relations & CID for Zona 10, Elis Fauziyah, said that the Company's participation in the national forum represents its commitment to presenting empowerment programs that create added value for the community, while also introducing the region's potential to a wider audience. "The success of an empowerment program is measured not only by the products it produces, but also by the impact felt by the community. Through this national forum, we want to show that the work of our partner communities has the quality, cultural value, and competitiveness to be presented at the national level," said Elis.

She added that the Company hopes Kubedistik Batik will become better known, gain stronger competitiveness, and open up broader opportunities for collaboration and market access for partner communities. The presence of Kubedistik Batik demonstrates that collaboration between the Company, the community, and the government can produce outstanding products that are inclusive, sustainable, and a source of pride for North Kalimantan.

In addition to showcasing their products, Kubedistik's partner members also took part in a coaching clinic and seminar featuring practitioners and craft experts as speakers. This activity served as a capacity-building (upskilling) opportunity to enrich knowledge, develop skills, and broaden the perspectives of MSME players in developing more competitive products.

Through PEP Tarakan Field's ongoing mentoring program, the Kubedistik group has succeeded in developing batik with motifs distinctive to North Kalimantan, using a more environmentally friendly production process. The program has not only improved the capacity and welfare of its members, but has also helped strengthen regional cultural identity and open up economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Kubedistik Local Hero Sony Lolong expressed pride in being able to introduce North Kalimantan Batik at a national forum alongside various stakeholders. He said the opportunity motivates all Kubedistik members to continue improving product quality while proving that persons with disabilities are capable of producing work with genuine cultural value and competitiveness. "We are grateful to PEP Tarakan Field, which has supported us all along, from skills development to opening up opportunities to take part in various exhibitions. This experience has strengthened our spirit to keep innovating, maintain product quality, and introduce North Kalimantan's distinctive batik to a wider audience," said Sony.

Separately, Manager of Communication Relations & CID, Dony Indrawan, reaffirmed the Company's commitment to continuing its CSR activities through the Community Involvement and Development (PPM) program in an innovative, impactful, and sustainable manner to strengthen community capacity and independence. "In line with our commitment to supporting sustainable development, we continue to encourage the emergence of innovations and outstanding community products that can improve welfare, preserve regional culture, and strengthen an inclusive and sustainable economy," he said.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Tarakan Field is part of Zona 10 under Regional 3 Kalimantan Upstream Subholding, led by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia. Through cooperation with SKK Migas, PEP Tarakan Field carries out upstream oil and gas operations and business activities in East Kalimantan/North Kalimantan that are safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly, in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, to support the sustainability of national oil and gas production and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia (Kalimantan's Energy for Indonesia). Further information about PHI-Regional 3 Kalimantan is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.