Balikpapan — In commemoration of International Literacy Day, PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) once again held Kelas Inspirasi PHM Mengajar with the theme “Next Level You: Bekal Rahasia Menaklukkan Dunia setelah Sekolah” for high school students. The activity, held at SMAN 1 Balikpapan on September 8, aimed to prepare students for the professional world after completing their formal education.

Kelas Inspirasi PHM Mengajar was divided into two main sessions. In the first session, Senior Manager Drilling & Well Intervention PHM, Muhammad Sobirin, delivered material on the importance of mastering hard skills such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as soft skills such as adaptability, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. This session also provided a brief overview of the drilling and well intervention process in the oil and gas industry. The second session featured Senior Manager Sub-Surface Development Planning PHM, Susan Syahdina, who invited students to understand the energy journey from upstream to downstream, PHM’s strategic role in maintaining national energy resilience, and the opportunities and challenges of the future energy industry. The students were introduced to technological innovations in the upstream oil and gas sector, gaining insights into planning their future after high school. Through these sharing sessions with PHM’s upstream oil and gas professionals, students gained a valuable understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to compete at the global level.

Head of Communication Relations & CID Zona 8, Achmad Krisna Hadiyanto, stated that literacy is not only about reading and writing but also encompasses literacy in energy, technology, and career, enabling students to better prepare for their future. According to him, PHM Mengajar is one of the Company’s CSR programs in the education sector that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. “We are committed to supporting the government’s program to improve the quality of educational infrastructure and facilities, strengthen local institutions, and develop human resource capacity around the Company’s operational areas in Kalimantan,” he explained.

Achmad further elaborated that the Company’s CSR programs in education have supported government efforts to improve educational infrastructure, raise community awareness about the importance of education and learning motivation among students, enrich learning materials, provide vocational training for out-of-school youth, offer scholarships, and expand access to higher education. “Through this Kelas Inspirasi, we want to encourage students to move up to the next level in preparing for a better future,” he added. International Literacy Day is commemorated every year on September 8.

The enthusiasm of students was evident from the testimony of Fathir Nabiha Rafif, one of the participants, who shared that he gained a new perspective about the upstream oil and gas industry. “The learning experience was very enjoyable. I used to think Pertamina only sold fuel, but it turns out that the process of finding and producing oil and gas is very complex and full of innovation. I gained new insights and became more interested in learning about it,” he shared.

Acting Principal of SMAN 1 Balikpapan, Anis Rohana, welcomed the initiative and collaboration. “We are very grateful to PHM for choosing our school for this very inspiring activity. Hearing directly from industry practitioners offers a more grounded and different perspective compared to what students learn from books. This is truly a valuable experience for students in planning their future,” she said.

Through this initiative, PHM strengthened its role as an upstream oil and gas company contributing to national energy resilience while reaffirming its commitment to improving the quality of human resources in its operational areas. Kelas Inspirasi serves as a tangible form of synergy between the industrial and educational sectors to equip East Kalimantan’s young generation with the knowledge, skills, and innovative spirit needed to face future challenges.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) in Zona 8. It manages upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Mahakam Working Area in East Kalimantan. As a Production Sharing Contract Contractor for the Indonesian government, represented by SKK Migas, PHM, along with its subsidiaries and affiliates, PHI also implements innovative Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the areas of Economics, 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. Further information about PHM and PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.