Muara Badak— PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) has introduced its flagship CSR program, Balanipa. This program features an innovative approach to repurposing ship ropes through the Balanipa Rope Technology (Barotech) by the Kelompok Usaha Bersama (KUBE) Balanipa in Muara Badak, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan. Barotech is a tool that spins used ship ropes, significantly improving the group's efficiency and productivity.

The innovation developed in this program involves reusing ship ropes using Balanipa Rope Technology (Barotech). This solution enhances the group's efficiency and productivity by reducing production time from 30 minutes per rope roll to just 10 minutes. Consequently, the group can produce up to 25 rolls of rope per day, substantially increasing from the previous six rolls.

The quality of the ropes is also superior, as the spinning results are tighter and stronger than those of manual methods. This tool has received a simple patent from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia with patent number IDS000006015. The program has proven to have a significant impact on the local economy.

Elis Fauziyah, Head of Communication Relations & CID Zona 9, explained that this program significantly benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) practicing a circular economy. "The potential of UMKM implementing this circular economy concept is very promising, as it can generate substantial revenue. Additionally, this initiative involves residents and empowers women within the community," said Elis.

From an economic standpoint, Elis added that the group can achieve a monthly turnover of up to IDR 217,500,000. The sales of the rumpon ropes are highly sought after, allowing the group to sell 750 rolls at IDR 290,000 per roll. As a result, the income for group members can reach IDR 2,000,000 per month. Furthermore, fishermen using these ropes also benefit from savings of up to IDR 1,000,000 per roll compared to purchasing new ropes.

The initiative arose from the conditions in the waters of Muara Badak, which border the Makassar Strait, a strategic location for shipping traffic and a vital fishing resource. However, heavy shipping traffic has led to negative impacts, including marine debris, with ship rope waste amounting to 180 tons annually. The company views this situation as a challenge and recognizes that the ropes can be repurposed into rumpon ropes commonly used by fishermen. Combining raw materials such as nylon, silk, and semi-silk makes the resulting rumpon ropes stronger and more cost-effective than similar products. Moreover, these ropes can also be processed into other derivative products, such as trash bins, accessories, wall mirrors, and eco brick stools, adding value and supporting waste reduction efforts.

In September 2023, it was revealed that Badak Baru Village in Muara Badak District has a high poverty rate, with 53 women unemployed. In response, in 2020, PHSS launched a community empowerment initiative, particularly for vulnerable groups predominantly consisting of women, through the KUBE Balanipa program that utilizes used ship ropes. This program aims to create inclusive community empowerment, involving elderly groups and vulnerable populations and supporting gender equality by engaging many women in its operational areas in a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable manner.

PHSS Field Manager Widhiarto Imam Subarkah added that the company pays close attention to product quality and safety. "Initially, this program started with a small group, but safety and product quality became challenges that needed to be managed effectively. That's where PHSS gets directly involved to help address these issues," explained Imam.

From a welfare perspective, 14 group members have gained skills in fire prevention. Additionally, training on utilizing used ropes for crafting has been provided to 18 beneficiaries, while 20 other group members have received training in using Barotech technology.

This program is also supported by Local Hero Sahabuddin, who emphasized the importance of protecting the environment from marine pollution caused by waste. "We must ensure ship rope waste is not discarded into the sea. We have even successfully replicated this program as far as West Sulawesi," said Sahabuddin, who is active in this initiative.

Arianto S.Sos, M.Si, Head of the Kutai Kartanegara Regency Community Empowerment Department, supported this program. "The Balanipa program is the first and only initiative in Kutai Kartanegara to repurpose used ship ropes into rumpon," he said. He also added, "This program is very beneficial as it helps reduce poverty through the direct impact felt by group members. Thank you to PHSS for their guidance; may the benefits continue."

With collaboration between the community, UMKM, PHSS, and the government, the Balanipa program is expected to continue to grow, providing positive impacts for environmental preservation and improving the economic welfare of local communities sustainably through marketing capabilities and technology to achieve independence.

PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), managing upstream oil and gas operations by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Sanga Sanga Working Area in East Kalimantan. In cooperation with SKK Migas, PHSS, along with other subsidiaries and affiliates of PHI, runs innovative Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the fields of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.