BALIKPAPAN - PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT), which is part of Zone 10 of Pertamina Subholding Upstream Area Kalimantan , won two awards in the 2021 World Environment Day and Appreciation for Enterprises themed “Ecosystem Restoration” held by East Kalimantan Province’s Environmental Agency (DLH Kaltim), on Tuesday (29/06),  at Novotel Hotel Balikpapan.

The two awards were presented by the Head of DLH Kaltim, EA Rafiddin Rizal to  PHKT for facilitating government’s efforts in Improving Public Welfare through the Development of Adiwiyata (Sustainable Environment) Efforts and Climate Village Program in East Kalimantan area. PHKT has been supporting governments’ efforts through its Community Empowerment Program for environment, which is in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); particularly the 8th goal – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and the 15th goal – Life on Land.

On separate occasion, Senior Manager Relations of Pertamina Hulu Indonesia Farah Dewi explained that the vision of PHKT Lawe-Lawe Terminal’s community empowerment program is to realize a flourishing society based on sustainable environment. The efforts carried out by Lawe-Lawe Terminal aim to improve people’s economy through MSMEs and cooperatives, to increase the capacity and competitive advantages of the workforce, to improve people’s health level, and to promote environmental awareness and actions within the society. “PHKT continues to promote the realization of prosperous community based on sustainable environment in the vicinity of company’s operational areas,” said Farah Dewi.

Through PHKT Fields in Southern Operational Areas (DOBS), Community Empowerment Program has also been carried out in the form of Edu-tourism Mangrove Empowerment at Kampung Baru, Penajam Sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara Regency. In this program, PHKT has planted 1.000 mangrove Avicennia spp (Api-Api) since 2019 – 2020. In addition, PHKT has also provided guidance for Women’s Business Group (KUW) Bina Bersama and for Saving and Loan Cooperative (KSP) Kreatif, as well as Mangrove Conservation Campaign in 6 schools in coastal region.

Community Empowerment Program from DOBS has produced local heroes, such as Mrs. Siti Rukiyah, the leader of KUW Bina Bersama who has been active in mangrove planting and rehabilitation for more than 6 years. For her efforts, she received 2nd Best Gerhan (Forest Rehabilitation Movement) Award from East Kalimantan Province’s Forestry Office in 2006, Regency Level Kalpataru Award in 2017, and Provincial Level Kalpataru Award in 2018.

In addition, to show its support and social responsibility towards communities in Northern Operational Areas (DOBU), PHKT has registered Kersik Village as one of the nominees for the 2021 Proklim Village. Proklim Village is a national program held by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and involving communities and other stakeholders to strengthen national adaptability towards the effects of climate change and green house gas emission.

Through Dersik (Kersik Tourism Village) Program, PHKT DOBU contributes in environmental rehabilitation by founding and guiding Kersik Berseri Waste Bank, educating people about waste processing and its environmental effects in cooperation with Kutai Kartanegara Regency’s Environment Agency, and preventing abrasion with restoration and planting of 11.000 mangroves and FGD for construction of low-crested coastal defense structures (Pegar) and Fish Apartment at Biru Kersik Beach, Kersik Village, Marangkayu Subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.

PHKT will continue its commitment to support government programs through sustainable environment management and conservation programs as well as community empowerment (CSR) programs, and to develop active partnership to meet the expectation of communities and other stakeholders in PHKT operational areas.