Bunyu Island, North Kalimantan – PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field and Pertamina Hulu Energi Nunukan Company (PHENC) carried out the planting of 2,500 mangrove seedlings at Dermaga Cinta, Bunyu Barat Village, Bunyu District, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. The activity also highlighted the strategic partnership between PHENC and BPRL Ventures Indonesia B.V. (BVIBV), PHENC’s partner in upstream oil and gas operations in the Nunukan Working Area.

This mangrove planting initiative stood out for its use of the Mangrove Bamboo Pot (MBP) Shield, an eco-friendly protector made entirely from locally sourced bamboo. The innovation was developed by students of SMP Negeri 02 Bunyu, with guidance from Suprapto, a local innovator and teacher at SD Negeri 005 Bunyu. The MBP Shield was designed to improve the survival rate of mangrove seedlings, particularly in coastal areas directly exposed to ocean currents and tidal waves. During the planting event, Suprapto gave a technical explanation of how the MBP Shield protects seedlings from environmental stress, increasing their chances of survival and natural growth.

The event, themed “One Commitment, One Action: Sustainable Mangroves, Protected Earth,” involved more than 19 stakeholders, including the Tarakan Forestry Technical Unit (UPTD), the Bulungan Environmental Office, Bunyu District officials, military and police representatives, the Bunyu Port Authority (KUPP Syahbandar), Fisheries and Agriculture Extension Officers, village leaders, the Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana), environmental communities, coastal community groups, and students. In addition to the mangrove planting, participants also took part in environmental education sessions focused on the role of mangroves in maintaining coastal ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods.

Senior Manager of PEP Bunyu Field, Despredi Akbar, reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability in its operational areas. “In line with the sustainability policies of PHE and PT Pertamina (Persero), we are committed to implementing programs and initiatives that focus on emission reduction, energy efficiency, waste management, flora and fauna conservation, and the utilization of new and renewable energy within our upstream operations. This mangrove planting activity is one of our commitments in action,” said Despredi. The activity also marked the celebration of World Mangrove Day, which took place in July.

According to Despredi, this joint effort was not only aimed at preserving coastal ecosystems but also served as the Company’s active contribution to mitigating coastal erosion and climate change. He expressed hope that the MBP-Shield innovation would enhance the survival rate of mangrove seedlings. “Through this innovation, Bunyu Island can be better protected from erosion, and the mangroves we plant will become a new habitat for marine life, allowing local fishers to catch fish closer to shore,” he said.

The mangrove planting initiative received appreciation from various stakeholders. Acting Head of Bunyu District, Jaenudin, stated that the Company’s initiative plays a vital role in protecting coastal areas from erosion. Indah Sriwati also expressed similar support from the Bulungan Environmental Office, which emphasized that multi-stakeholder collaboration in mangrove rehabilitation is a strategic step in ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

Zona 10 is part of Pertamina's Upstream Subholding Regional 3 Kalimantan, which is led by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI). The company entities in Zona 10 are Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKKS) who collaborate with SKK Migas in carrying out upstream oil and gas operations and business management by the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), particularly in the East Kalimantan & Attaka Working Areas in East Kalimantan and Bunyu, Tarakan, and Nunukan in North Kalimantan. PHI subsidiaries and affiliates in Zona 10 implement 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 the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For further information about PHI, please visit https://phi.pertamina.com.

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