Jakarta – PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Tarakan Field received the highest honor at the Distiksaintek Awards from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) for its successful collaboration with Universitas Borneo Tarakan (UBT) under the Kedaireka Program. PEP Tarakan Field and UBT were crowned the Best and Most Innovative Collaboration Partner for their achievements in fostering synergy between industry and academia, focusing on community empowerment, local potential development, and education quality enhancement.

The Distiksaintek Awards ceremony was held at Graha Diktisaintek, Building D, 2nd Floor, Jakarta, on December 13, 2024. This recognition aligns with the spirit of the Kedaireka Program, which emphasizes partnership-based approaches to create sustainable social and economic impacts.

The Kedaireka Program, a strategic initiative launched by Kemdiktisaintek, serves as a platform for collaboration between universities and industry partners. It aims to integrate science, technology, and innovation into real-world solutions that support sustainable development across various sectors.

Field Manager of Tarakan, Cahyo Tri Mulyanto, expressed pride and gratitude for the award received. "We extend our thanks for this opportunity and the recognition, which motivates us to continue innovating and contributing, including through the Kedaireka platform encompassing various activities," he said. The Kedaireka platform has become a strategic and innovative collaboration medium for PEP Tarakan Field and UBT to implement initiatives aligned with sustainable development goals.

One of the flagship programs resulting from the collaboration between PEP Tarakan Field and UBT is the Batik Disability Program, which provides batik-making training for individuals with disabilities. "This program not only supports the creation of new economic opportunities but also promotes gender equality and empowers vulnerable groups often marginalized. The program's benefits are tangible for the community," he added.

Another example is the Oil and Gas Education Program, designed to give UBT students greater access to the upstream oil and gas sector. The program includes industrial visits, internships, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Participants are prepared to face challenges in the energy industry while enhancing their insights and skills in the field.

Other initiatives include the Free Health Check-Up Program, which involves UBT's Faculty of Health providing free healthcare services to the North Kalimantan community. This program aims to raise public awareness about the importance of health and strengthen access to medical services.

Finally, through the Seaweed UMKM Empowerment Program, aspiring entrepreneurs are trained to enhance their competencies, product quality, and competitiveness in local and global markets. This program exemplifies a genuine commitment to supporting the sustainable economic growth of local communities.

Cahyo also emphasized the company's commitment to aligning its CSR programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) global agenda. "We implement CSR programs in the fields of economy, education, health, environment, and disaster response to support the achievement of SDGs, particularly Goal 4 on Education and Goal 17 on Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Collaboration is the key to creating sustainable positive impacts," he said.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Tarakan Field, part of Subholding Upstream Regional 3 under the leadership of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), conducts upstream oil and gas operations and business by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In collaboration with SKK Migas, PEP Tarakan Field and other subsidiaries and affiliates of PHI implement innovative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 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. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.