Sangatta – PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Sangatta Field continues to drive community empowerment through sustainable organic farming via its CSR initiative, ECO-STEP Semberah (Empowering Community through Organic Sustainable Farming Program in the Semberah Area). The program is implemented in Tanah Datar Village, Muara Badak District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.

Launched in 2023, the program collaborates with the Wira Karya Farmers Group as a fostered partner, facilitating development through institutional training, fertilizer pond construction, and innovations in fertilizer processing. Additionally, it has introduced semi-organic fertilizer formulas to support agricultural activities, focusing on chili and tomato cultivation.

In 2024, the program will expand to include hydroponic farming training, construction, and integrated irrigation system installations. These sustainable innovations aim to achieve environmentally friendly, integrated farming practices.

Cahyo Nugroho, Sangatta Field Manager, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental preservation and community welfare. “The ECO-STEP program addresses environmental challenges posed by inorganic farming methods and alleviates the high cost of fertilizers for farmers,” Cahyo explained.

Over its two-year implementation, the program has shown significant positive impacts, including a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 0.0976 tons through using organic waste as fertilizer and an increase in income for the group and its 15 members.

Cahyo highlighted collaboration as a critical factor in the program’s success. “The success of ECO-STEP Semberah hinges on synergy with various stakeholders, including MSMEs, Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), the government, and the local community,” he noted. PEP Sangatta Field continues partnering with the Tanah Datar Village Government, academia, and the local Office of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs (Perindagkop).

Elis Fauziyah, Head of Communication Relations & CID for Zona 9, stated that CSR program development aligns with social mapping outcomes in operational areas. “Through social mapping, we ensure the program optimally leverages local potential, delivers sustainable impacts, and enhances community welfare,” Elis said.

She added that the program would be continually developed toward self-reliance. “Regular monitoring and evaluation will address challenges and identify opportunities for further development until the program achieves sustainability,” she added.

The ECO-STEP Semberah program has also earned notable achievements, including a scientific publication titled “The Production of Liquid Organic Fertilizer in the Wira Karya Farmer Group of Tanah Datar, Muara Badak, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.” Additionally, it secured a simple patent for its innovation, “Semi-Organic Liquid Fertilizer Formula Made from a Mixture of Broiler Chicken Manure and NPK 16-16-16 Fertilizer for Red Chili Plants.” It won a Silver Winner award in the Economic Empowerment category at the 2024 Indonesia Social Responsibility Awards.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Sangatta Field, part of Subholding Upstream Regional 3 under PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), conducts upstream oil and gas operations adhering to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In collaboration with SKK Migas, PEP Sangatta Field, and other PHI subsidiaries implement innovative CSR programs in economic, educational, health, environmental, infrastructure, and disaster response sectors, supporting sustainable community empowerment and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For more information, visit https://phi.pertamina.com.