Cirebon - PEP Bunyu Field's CSR program, namely the Hydroponic Green Village Program, won the Leading Appropriate Technology (TTG) award from the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT) in the XXIII National Events National Appropriate Technology Title. (19/10/2022). The award was handed over directly by the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Dr. Drs. H. Abdul Halim Iskandar, M.Pd.

Bunyu Fields achieved this TTG Excellence Award from the innovation of using fern roots as a hydroponic growing medium, which was named "Good Fern,"; which is a substitute for Rockwool, which is a hydroponic growing medium made from a combination of commonly used rocks. In addition, from an environmental aspect, this fern is an endemic plant widely spread in North Kalimantan. Based on the availability of natural raw materials and the appointment of local natural resources on Bunyu Island, fern roots are an appropriate alternative to hydroponic growing media.

Bunyu Field Manager, Andri, revealed that the Company is committed to providing real support in developing innovations to support the achievement of Independent Food Security Bunyu, which is also the big theme of Bunyu Field's PEP CSR Program.

Andri added that this achievement is a form of good collaboration between companies, the government, and the community. "We appreciate and congratulate Muhammad Tigo Gunawan as a technical assistant for the Hydroponics Program who has won the 2022 National Appropriate Technology Competition (TTG) award. Hopefully, this award can spur the enthusiasm of other PEP Bunyu fostered partners in developing innovation," said Andri. 

The development of this flagship TTG innovation from the Kampung Hijau Hydroponic CSR Program is in the form of making fern root press machines, conducting lab tests at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Chemistry UGM and PT SIG, Product Packaging Design, and integration of cooperation with the CSR partner group PEP Bunyu Field.

This innovation has had a social, economic, and environmental impact on hydroponic farmers on Bunyu Island, namely with planting media's efficiency and cost savings. With lower production costs, hydroponic farmers can enjoy greater profits. Previously, hydroponic farmers used Rockwool for Rp. 40.000- per pack, so the cost is only Rp with this innovative product that uses fern roots. 10,000- per pack. 

"The company will continue to support the development of this Root Fern Planting Media product with the hope that this product will not only be used in Bunyu but also expand outside the region," Andri concluded.

Representing the Hydroponic Green Village Program, M. Tigo Gunawan explained that the innovation of using fern roots as a hydroponic planting medium does not stop here but will be developing in terms of product marketing. "Hopefully, we can market this product outside the Bunyu area," said Tigo.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field is part of the Pertamina Regional 3 Upstream Subholding, led by Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI). In carrying out the management of upstream oil and gas operations and businesses by following ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles, PEP Bunyu Field. Together with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, run 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 Sustainability Development Goals (SDG). PHI's headquarter is in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.