Balikpapan– In commemoration of International Anti-Drug Day 2024, PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) has partnered with the Balikpapan Health Office, the National Narcotics Agency/Badan Narkotika Nasional (BNN) Balikpapan, and the Save Our Children Foundation/ Selamatkan Anak Kita (SEKATA) Balikpapan to organize a series of joint sports activities and a Health Talk seminar themed "Awareness on Tuberculosis, HIV & AIDS, and the Dangers of Drug Abuse" (June 28, 2024).

Acting HSSE Manager for Zona 10, Sidik Mangku Alam, stated that this year's International Anti-Drug Day features a Health Talk focused on tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse. The goal is to enhance awareness, understanding, and knowledge regarding the prevention and management of Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse within the workplace.

"In addition, this year's activities include blood sugar tests, HIV/AIDS screenings, and for female workers, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests and cervical cancer screenings," Sidik explained.

During the event, Sidik encouraged all employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle by regularly engaging in physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate rest, and managing stress. He also reminded everyone to work enthusiastically and safely and adhere to the HSE program and Pertamina's 3 Golden Rules (Comply, Intervention, Care) to support Pertamina in becoming a world-class safety-standard company.

Dr. I Dewa Gde Dony Lesmana from the Balikpapan City Health Office highlighted that globally, HIV/AIDS kills over one million people each year, and anyone can be affected. "The use of drug injections with shared needles is one of the largest factors in the spread of HIV/AIDS. Although HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, it can be managed to prevent complications," he said.

He noted that the rise in drug use today increases the risk of HIV/AIDS, which can lead to complications such as tuberculosis infections. "The interaction between HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis accelerates immune system decline, making individuals infected with HIV more likely to subsequently develop tuberculosis infections," Dony explained.

Dony also praised PHKT and BNN for their efforts to combat and prevent drug abuse in the community, including their initiatives to raise awareness about drug-related dangers. "It is hoped that PHKT and BNN's collaboration in spreading awareness about the dangers of drugs will help prevent the further spread of drug abuse that threatens the younger generation. Awareness campaigns are a good start in working together to prevent drug abuse in our environment," he said.

Mohammad Effendy, a representative from the SEKATA Foundation, stated, "Building positive character from an early age is our mission. Let us unite, educate ourselves and others about the dangers of drugs, and support the fight against drug abuse. Avoid drugs, and choose a healthy and successful life!"

PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) responsible for the management of upstream oil and gas operations by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the East Kalimantan & Attaka Working Area in East Kalimantan. In collaboration with SKK Migas, PHKT, with its subsidiaries and affiliates, implements innovative Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the areas of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.