Penajam Paser Utara– PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) continues to develop various community empowerment programs (PPM/CSR) in its operational areas. In collaboration with the women of the Kriya Inovasi Mandara (KIM) cooperative as CSR partners, PHKT is implementing the PUSAKA Program (Pemanfaatan Ulang Sabut Kelapa), which involves creating crafts from coconut husk waste in Saloloang Village, Penajam District, Penajam Paser Utara Regency (PPU).

In the PUSAKA Program, the company and the cooperative recognize the potential of coconut husk processing to solve the abundant coconut waste problem, transforming it into high-value products, such as organic fertilizer and handicrafts.

The Head of CRC Zona 10, Dharma Saputra, explained that Penajam District has the largest area of coconut plantations in PPU Regency. "The processing of coconut husks in the PUSAKA program embodies social and environmental innovation that can have a significant and sustainable impact on the community while reducing environmental issues such as emissions and waste," said Dharma.

He noted that having a large amount of coconut husk waste also poses a fire risk since it is highly flammable, presenting an opportunity to enhance its value. "Therefore, this program aims to utilize coconut husk waste into derivative products while collaborating with KIM to establish a learning center and empower women's groups through training in various coconut husk craft products," he stated.

According to Dharma, this program has successfully increased the income of the supported community by IDR 288,000,000 annually, addressed environmental issues through the utilization of 108 tons of coconut husk waste per year, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 248.4 tons of CO2 per year, and empowered 15 female group members.

"The KIM cooperative has received an award as a micro, small, and medium enterprise (UMKM) with the most diverse product variations at the Kapasitan Nasional III Forum organized by SKK Migas in 2023," he added.

Additionally, during the working visit of the First Lady of Indonesia along with women from OASE KIM (Organisasi Aksi Solidaritas Era Kabinet Indonesia Maju), PHKT facilitated local heroes from the PUSAKA program in a product showcase booth by Pertamina Group, themed "Household Waste Processing Training into Compost and Eco Enzyme" at the office of the head of Tengin Baru Village, Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara Regency on Thursday (September 12, 2024).

The main products derived from coconut husks include cocopeat and coir fiber, which can be processed into various products such as organic fertilizer from cocopeat, orchid planting media, coir mesh, coir blocks, coir mats, hats, shoes, keychains, stationery holders, tissue holders, and bedside lamps, as well as coir mesh, which is excellent for preventing landslides and organic mulch for agriculture.

KIM chairperson Rusni Pebriyanti explained that this program has been ongoing since 2016, but with support from PHKT, production has increased significantly. Previously, they produced about ten types of crafts per month, but now, this has expanded to 50 types each month.

"This coconut husk waste management program provides blessings and positive economic impacts for the community, as PHKT fully supports us in managing coconut husk waste and turning it into unique products with high market value," she said.

Through the PUSAKA Program, PHKT supports achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 on eradicating poverty, Goal 5 on gender equality, Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, and Goal 13 on climate action.

PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) that manages upstream oil and gas operations and business by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the East Kalimantan & Attaka working area in East Kalimantan. In collaboration with SKK Migas, PHKT, along with its subsidiaries and affiliates, implements innovative Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the fields 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. For more information about PHI, please visit https://phi.pertamina.com.