Tabalong – PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Tanjung Field has successfully supported the development of the Jirak Village's potential as a freshwater fish production center through the Kuas Jirak Program, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or community development program of the company. The name Kuas Jirak stands for Kelompok Usaha Acil Desa Jirak (Jirak Village Business Group).

Dony Indrawan, Manager of Communication Relations & CID at PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), explained that the Kuas Jirak Program reflects the company's commitment to implementing innovative CSR programs that can support the Tabalong Regency government's initiatives to increase fish consumption among the community.

"As one of our flagship programs, Kuas Jirak is driven by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income of families and residents who rely on fish farming in rivers or fields. Low fish prices at harvest and the lack of processing result in unattractive economic value," said Dony.

Moreover, as stated by Dony, the Kuas Jirak Program also emphasizes the capacity development of women by offering support and opportunities for women in the area to enhance their productivity.

"To commence this initiative, we've started producing shredded fish products, beginning with the process of one type of fish into three variations usable by the supported group. The integration of an oil strainer tool (spinner) and the design of modern product packaging has significantly improved productivity," he explained.

Dony assured that the company is committed to continuing CSR programs that can help communities grow and become self-sufficient. "In the Kuas Jirak Program, we focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goal 1 on extreme poverty and goal 8 on decent work and economic growth," concluded Dony.

Wisnu Wardhana, Head of the Formalities and Communication Department at SKK Migas Representation of Kalimantan and Sulawesi, stated that community development programs conducted by PT Pertamina EP Tanjung Field in nurturing and developing areas around the company's operational region are an integral part of the Indonesia Oil and Gas (IOG) 4.0 plan and strategy.

"The Kelompok Usaha Acil Desa Jirak (Kuas Jirak) Program has effectively enhanced the community's economic well-being. This is evident from the increase in monthly income of the people managing freshwater fisheries and their products," expressed Wisnu.

The intervention provided by PEP Tanjung Field is a tangible implementation of one of the targets in the IOG 4.0 plan, which is to increase the multiplier effect of the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry for the surrounding community. "This movement also supports the national program 'Gerakan Memasyarakatkan Makan Ikan' (GEMARIKAN) initiated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries," added Wisnu.

Sri Hartini, Chairperson of the Barokah Group, part of the company's program, revealed that the wealth of freshwater fisheries in Jirak Village is too valuable to be overlooked. The flagship freshwater fish is the snakehead fish, known for its high protein content of 25.2 grams/100 grams of fish weight and albumin levels reaching 8.2%.

"We decided to process this fish into shredded products and health supplements in the form of albumin syrup," said Sri.

As a result of the efforts of the 12 members proficient in packaging and marketing, the Barokah Group attains a monthly net income ranging from IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 3,000,000 through this program.

PEP Tanjung and their group will continue to develop innovations to expand this program to achieve the group's goals and support the government.

PT Pertamina EP Tanjung Field is part of the Subholding Upstream Pertamina Regional 3 led by PHI. In managing upstream oil and gas operations and business following the principles of Environment, Social, Governance (ESG), PEP Tanjung Field, along with its subsidiaries and PHI affiliates, carries out innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the fields of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). PHI's headquarters is in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.