Balikpapan– PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), through its subsidiaries PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM), PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga-Sanga (PHSS), and PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT), has collaborated with the Balikpapan City Government to support the development and inauguration of the Orchidarium at Kebun Raya Balikpapan (KRB). The inauguration, held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, was part of the 128th-anniversary celebration of Balikpapan City. This event marks a significant milestone in Indonesia's biodiversity conservation efforts.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Balikpapan, the Chairman of the Balikpapan City Council (DPRD), representatives from the Kalimantan Environmental Control Center, the Regional Secretary of Balikpapan City, along other officials (Forkopimda), the Head of the SKK Migas Representative Office for Kalimantan & Sulawesi, General Managers of Zona 8, 9, and 10, as well as media representatives and influencers.

With this inauguration, the Orchidarium at Kebun Raya Balikpapan (KRB) becomes the first Orchidarium in a regional botanical garden in Indonesia and the second in the country after the Bogor Botanical Garden. This facility is expected to serve as a center for conservation, education, and research on orchid species in Kalimantan.

The development of the Orchidarium began in 2022 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 23, 2022. Covering 1.5 hectares with a 550-meter trekking trail, the area is designed as a conservation center divided into four main Zonas: Zona 1, managed by PHM; Zona 2 by PHSS; Zona 3 by PHKT, and Zona 4 dedicated to rare orchid collections. The Orchidarium aims to provide an ideal ecosystem for preserving Kalimantan's native orchid species while functioning as a sustainable educational and research destination.

The Orchidarium at KRB houses 205 orchid species, totaling 2,456 specimens—an increase from the previous 133 species and 1,867 specimens. These orchids were collected through explorations in various regions of Kalimantan, including the Sungai Wain Protected Forest, Kutai National Park, Mount Halat, Loksado, Temula Village in West Kutai, and other areas.

Balikpapan Mayor H. Rahmad Mas'ud, SE, ME, expressed his hope that this site will become an educational tourism destination and serve as a learning and research center for students and academics interested in Kalimantan's flora. "With the addition of the Orchidarium at Kebun Raya Balikpapan, we hope this location will become even more attractive."

"This moment is even more special as it coincides with the 128th anniversary of Balikpapan City. We hope the Orchidarium will not only serve as a symbol of conservation but also as an educational platform that benefits the wider community and future generations," he stated.

General Manager of Zona 8, Setyo Sapto Edi, emphasized that the inauguration of the Orchidarium strengthens Kebun Raya Balikpapan's role as a center for research and conservation of Kalimantan's unique flora. Its presence enriches biodiversity while reinforcing environmental protection efforts in Balikpapan City.

Similarly, the General Manager of Zona 9, Julfrinson Alfredo Sinaga, highlighted the collaboration between Zona 9 and various stakeholders, including the local government, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry/Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan (KLHK), and the Environmental Agency/Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (DLH). This partnership aims to create programs that provide added value to the community while preserving the region's natural heritage. "The inauguration of the Orchidarium at Kebun Raya Balikpapan enhances tourism, education, and conservation efforts, particularly for the endemic black orchid of Kalimantan," he noted.

General Manager of Zona 10, Yoseph Agung Prihartono, enthusiastically welcomed the inauguration, encouraging employees to visit the Orchidarium to appreciate its biodiversity and enjoy the trekking trails as part of the company's Wellness Program initiative.

During the event, the Mayor of Balikpapan presented awards to PHM, PHSS, and PHKT in recognition of their contributions to developing the Orchidarium at Kebun Raya Balikpapan from 2022 to 2025.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) is part of Pertamina's Upstream Subholding, managing upstream oil and gas operations in Regional 3 Kalimantan based on ESG principles to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class oil and gas company. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates in collaboration with SKK Migas, PHI carries out innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the fields of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support the achievement of SDGs and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. Further information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.