Samarinda—PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) held public speaking training for local heroes and individuals from Village-Owned Enterprises (Bumdes) in Samarinda on Monday, March 4, 2024. The activity aimed to enhance participants' ability to promote SME products, the company's CSR programs, and community activities to a broader audience.

The head of Communication Relations and CID at PHM, Frans Alexander A. Hukom, explained that this activity reflects the company's commitment to continuously contribute to capacity building and skills enhancement of communities around its operational areas.

"The participants are local heroes who have become drivers of various community development programs or PHM's CSR. They have made real contributions to improving the lives of the community and the environment. With their important role, we aim to develop the skills of local heroes and Bumdes in practical public speaking, thus supporting the development and promotion of their products, programs, and activities," said Frans.

PHM brought Nino Budiyanto, an experienced and certified public speaking instructor, as the speaker for the training themed "Impactful Public Speaking Skills." This interactive activity allowed participants to share their dreams, challenges, and future aspirations. Coach Nino provided practice sessions and opportunities for participants to showcase their flagship products from their programs or activities.

Thirty-one participants attended the public speaking training, including local heroes from around the operational areas of PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Sanga Sanga, PEP Sangatta, PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS), PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) South Operating Area (DOBS), PHKT North Operating Area (DOBU), and PEP Bunyu. One local hero attended from Bunyu Island, one of Indonesia's outermost regions.

Local heroes are community leaders who possess leadership qualities, high commitment, innovative ideas, and work in empowering communities and preserving their surrounding environment. They are at the forefront of implementing CSR programs and actively promote the program's excellence and sustainability. Therefore, communication skills are one of the essential abilities of a local hero.

Alimin, one of PHM's local heroes from Pela Tourism Village, was enthusiastic about participating in this training. Alimin, as the Chairman of the Pela Tourism Village Community Group (Pokdarwis), demonstrates their strong commitment to empowering the community., managing village potentials, and conducting conservation activities for the endangered Mahakam Dolphin. Pela Village has been designated as a Member of The Best Tourism Village Upgrade Program 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

"This training is very beneficial for improving my knowledge and communication skills, as well as those of Pokdarwis members. We now understand how to deliver engaging public speaking. The materials provided are highly applicable and will help us continue to advance Pela Tourism Village," said Alimin.

In a separate location, Dony Indrawan, the Manager of Communication Relations and CID at PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), appreciated the enthusiasm shown by the participants. "The enthusiasm of local heroes drives us to continually strive to reach more beneficiaries of our CSR programs through socialization, collaboration, and replication. This training will enhance their skills and help them inspire other community members and create better conditions for the community and its surrounding environment," added Dony.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) that manages upstream oil and gas operations by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Mahakam Working Area in East Kalimantan. Through collaboration with SKK Migas, PHM, and other subsidiaries and affiliates of PHI, implements Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response Fields to support sustainable community empowerment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI's headquarters is in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com