Balikpapan – PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) held a social service event with Indonesian war veterans at the Bhakti Abadi Veterans Nursing Home in Balikpapan on August 28, 2025. Around 20 veterans took part in the heartfelt gathering, filled with laughter, tears, and a strong sense of togetherness. The event served as a tribute to the nation’s heroes while rekindling the enduring spirit of independence.

The activity, organized as part of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration, was initiated by PHKT through the Operation & Surface Facility (OSF) Function under the theme “OSF Peduli”. The program involved PHKT management and employees in a series of activities, including prayer, entertainment, and the distribution of donations as a gesture of appreciation and compassion toward the veterans.

In his remarks, OSF Manager Hery Lesmana said that the freedom enjoyed today is the result of the heroes’ sacrifices. “Through this activity, we want to share happiness and express our deepest gratitude to them. Their spirit of struggle and sacrifice continues to inspire us to contribute and create for our nation,” he said. Hery added that PHKT’s role goes beyond being part of Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas industry, it also carries a moral responsibility to uphold humanity and national values.

The atmosphere became even more emotional as veterans shared their personal stories of struggle. Despite their age, their sense of nationalism remained strong. Their stories served as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made for the country’s independence. The warmth and camaraderie that filled the room made the event more than a ceremonial occasion, it became a touching and meaningful experience.

Ahmad, a representative from Bhakti Abadi Foundation, expressed his gratitude for PHKT’s care and attention. “The Company’s visit brought priceless happiness to the residents. They feel appreciated, accompanied, and loved. We hope this kind of initiative continues and inspires others to spread kindness,” he said.

One of the veterans also expressed his appreciation for the attention and entertainment provided. He shared that even in old age, such gestures remind them that their sacrifices were not in vain and serve as encouragement for the younger generation to value unity and remember history.

This social service event was also a reminder that the struggle is not over. While veterans once fought with weapons, today’s generation must continue that fight through unity, social awareness, and hard work to build the nation.

The event concluded with a joint prayer and photo session that reflected the warmth and solidarity of the occasion. The smiles and gratitude of the veterans illustrated how simple acts of kindness can bring profound joy.

PHKT hopes this initiative will inspire other companies, communities, and the public to continue showing appreciation for Indonesia’s heroes who dedicated their lives to independence. “We believe the veterans’ spirit is an invaluable legacy. This event is not only a tribute but also a call to nurture empathy, strengthen national unity, and preserve the values of brotherhood. Independence is a gift, and protecting its meaning is our shared responsibility,” Hery concluded.

PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) in Zona 10, which manages upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in its Work Area East Kalimantan & Attaka in East Kalimantan. As a Production Sharing Contract Contractor for the Indonesian government represented by SKK Migas, PHKT, together with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continues to carry out various innovations and technological applications to produce safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy to support the sustainability of national oil and gas production and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. Further information about PHKT and PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.