Balikpapan – PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth capacity development in its operating areas across Kalimantan. In 2025, PHI once again awarded full scholarships to 15 outstanding students from Kalimantan to pursue undergraduate education through its flagship CSR program, the Beasiswa Sobat Bumi Kalimantan (BSBK). The scholarship awards were officially presented during an inauguration ceremony held in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on 17 November 2025.

The BSBK recipients come from several Ring 1 areas in East Kalimantan, including Muara Badak, Muara Jawa, Samboja, Marangkayu, Anggana, and Sanga-Sanga. Recipients also come from Tarakan in North Kalimantan and Murung Pudak in South Kalimantan. They are now beginning their first semester at Borneo Tarakan University, Mulawarman University, Samarinda State Polytechnic, Kalimantan Institute of Technology, and Lambung Mangkurat University.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Provincial Education and Culture Office, Armin, representing the Governor of East Kalimantan; the Assistant II for Economic Affairs and Development of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Ahyani Fadianur Diani; PHI President Director, Sunaryanto; Pertamina Foundation Operations Director, Gusman Adiwardhana; SKK Migas Kalimantan Sulawesi Representative Office General and Finance Manager, Lely M.W. Sondakh; and representatives of SKK Migas Kalimantan Sulawesi and PHI management.

PHI President Director, Sunaryanto, stated that the main objective of the BSBK Program is to open opportunities for young people from underprivileged families to pursue higher education and develop their full potential. He hopes the program will help shape a generation of intelligent, independent, and high-integrity youth ready to drive positive change. “Make the most of this opportunity. Study diligently, stay curious, and use the knowledge you gain to contribute to your community and environment,” said Anto, his familiar nickname.

Representing the Provincial Government of East Kalimantan, Armin emphasized that the BSBK Program is more than financial assistance. It is a long-term investment in nurturing resilient, high-achieving young leaders. “For us in East Kalimantan, this program aligns with our vision for a Golden Generation. My message is to become not only academically strong but also ethical, disciplined, and community-minded,” he said.

At the event, SKK Migas Kalimantan–Sulawesi General and Finance Manager, Lely M.W. Sondakh, also shared her encouragement with the scholarship recipients. “This initiative reflects the upstream oil and gas industry’s real commitment to strengthening the capacity of local youth. I hope you make the most of this opportunity and continue to grow into future drivers of progress for Kalimantan,” Lely shared. The scholars attended the ceremony accompanied by their parents or guardians.

The BSBK Program is fully supported by PHI’s subsidiaries, PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga, and PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur, in collaboration with Pertamina Foundation as the implementing partner. Through the program, recipients receive tuition coverage, living and support allowances, environmental capacity-building assistance, and access to Aksi Sobat Bumi and Desa Energi Berdikari Sobat Bumi initiatives. The program contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals 4 on Education, seven on Affordable and Clean Energy, and 13 on Climate Action, as well as the Indonesian Government’s Asta Cita priority number 4 on Human Resource Development.

Pertamina Foundation Operations Director Gusman Adirwardhana emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to guiding scholarship recipients to become agents of change who champion sustainable development. “As the program’s implementing partner, we are committed to providing the best support to help the scholars grow into change-makers. Through the spirit embedded in the BSBK Program, #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia, we encourage them to contribute actively, empower communities, and strengthen economic and energy resilience for Kalimantan and Indonesia,” Gusman concluded.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) is part of Pertamina's Upstream Subholding, which manages upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in Regional 3, Kalimantan, covering Zona 8, 9, and 10, in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class oil and gas company. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, in collaboration with SKK Migas, PHI implements innovative Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the areas of economy, education, health, environment, infrastructure, and disaster response. These initiatives support the sustainability of national oil and gas production and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For further information about PHI, please visit https://phi.pertamina.com.