Balikpapan – PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) once again organized its media engagement program titled Bincang Asik Soal MIGAS Ala PHI (BASO IGA PHI) Special Edition Goes to Rig as part of efforts to strengthen relationships and enhance media understanding of offshore upstream oil and gas operations. The activity was held at the Asian Endeavour (AE-1) Rig operated by Daerah Operasi Bagian Selatan (DOBS) PHKT and attended by 13 journalists from print, online, and television media in East Kalimantan.

During the activity held on May 7, 2026, participants were invited to directly observe offshore drilling activities and gain a closer understanding of the upstream oil and gas business process. As a continuation of the Mendaki Energi Indonesia Program, the activity encouraged media personnel not only to witness operational processes but also to understand the stories, spirit, and dedication of oil and gas workers behind the sustainability of the national energy supply.

Through this activity, media participants directly observed the dynamics of 24-hour offshore drilling operations at Rig AE-1, which operates under a two-shift working system. Prior to shift changes, crews held safety meetings to discuss work readiness, safety, and potential operational risks, followed by handover processes to ensure safe, secure, and smooth transitions.

Participants also witnessed the strong commitment of oil and gas workers to consistently use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with operational standards to ensure workplace safety. Amid continuous operations, crews maintained regular work and rest schedules to sustain physical condition and work focus.

Media personnel were also allowed to monitor the drilling of the Sejadi SJ-4RD1 well, which reached a depth of 9,112 feet (approximately 2.78 kilometers) below the surface. With around 120 personnel onboard (POB), Rig AE-1 operates at high complexity and has successfully achieved Zero Incident throughout the activity.

One of the participants, who also serves as Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Penajam Paser Utara Regency, Erwin, explained that the visit provided media personnel with new experiences and perspectives regarding offshore drilling processes that had previously only been known through press releases and news coverage.“By directly observing operations in the field, we understand that oil and gas operations involve highly complex processes requiring strong work discipline and strict safety implementation. We appreciate PHKT’s openness in providing media with the opportunity to directly observe these operational processes, which will serve as valuable insight for us in delivering more comprehensive and educational information to the public,” he stated.

As part of offshore safety culture implementation prior to the activity, participants attended a safety induction session delivered by the HSSE team and accompanied by the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) of Rig AE-1, together with the COSL Rig Manager. Remarks from PHKT Assistant Manager Drilling Operations, Bidner Sianturi, followed the session.

In his remarks, Bidner expressed appreciation for the presence of media representatives who had taken the time to directly observe the realities of offshore operations. “Our expectation is simple: media colleagues do not merely come to see the rig, but return home carrying stories. Stories about the hard work behind energy, about the people behind production figures, and about the spirit of our workers who continue striving to maintain national energy resilience,” said Bidner. He also emphasized that HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) aspects remain the primary culture implemented in every PHKT operational activity.

Also attending the activity was SKK Migas Kalimantan and Sulawesi Representative, Nindya Puspaningtiyas, who explained SKK Migas's role in supervising upstream oil and gas activities and highlighted the importance of media synergy to improve public understanding of the national oil and gas industry.

Manager Communication, Relations & CID of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), Dony Indrawan, expressed hope that participants would continue to deliver informative, objective, and balanced news coverage of upstream oil and gas activities to the public. “We hope media colleagues can positively, informatively, and objectively communicate what we do so that the public can better understand and support the efforts of the Company and oil and gas workers in providing energy for Indonesia’s development,” said Dony.

According to him, a credible publication is important to ensure the public is not easily provoked by situations in the field, particularly in offshore operations near community activities such as fishing routes and other maritime activities. “The upstream oil and gas industry involves complex, technology-intensive, and capital-intensive activities with high risks, requiring collaboration among all stakeholders to produce sustainable energy for the Indonesian people. Therefore, the presence of objective, accurate, and balanced information for the public is extremely important,” Dony concluded.

PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) is one of the subsidiaries of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) in zona 10, managing upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the East Kalimantan & Attaka Working Area in East Kalimantan. As a Production Sharing Contract Contractor for the Government of Indonesia represented by SKK Migas, PHKT, together with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continues to implement various innovations and technological applications to deliver safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy in support of sustainable national oil and gas production and the realization of #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. For more information about PHKT and PHI, please visit https://phi.pertamina.com.