Samboja - PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) has succeeded in developing innovations in the use of coconut shells or shells processed into briquettes in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of Omah Pertanian Terpadu Inovatif or Om Tata Idaman Program, in Handil Baru village, Samboja District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. 

PHSS produced this innovation thanks to the Company's collaboration and collaboration with the Handil Baru Community Empowerment Institute (LPM), the Emerald Green Millennial Youth Group and the surrounding community.

Head of Communication, Relations & CID Zone 9 Elis Fauziyah, said that briquette innovation could support not only the increase in people's income but also protect the environment. 

"The use of coconut shells is in line with the company's principle to always apply a variety of social and environmental innovations in the implementation of the Company's CSR programs so that they are able to leverage local potential and have a significant and sustainable impact," said Elis.

Furthermore, Elis added that with the use of coconut shells in briquettes, it is hoped that people will have additional income and can further reach more consumers in various regions. In addition, this innovation reduces the appearance of combustion smoke in the air, in line with Pertamina's commitment to preserving the environment.

"The company collaborates with all stakeholders, especially the community and local governments in carrying out the company's CSR programs so that it is able to create benefits and values that are enjoyed together (creating shared value)," added Elis.

In some regions, many still need to utilize and process coconut shells, and only a few know the benefits and economic value of coconut shells after being processed into briquettes. "Briquettes from coconut shells also have several advantages such as having a longer heat resistance than ordinary charcoal, not dusty and less combustion smoke produced," she concluded.  

Meanwhile, Lurah Handil Baru and Ahmad Sapi'i conveyed the readiness of the local government to support the success of the briquettes innovation program and other programs that Tata Idaman can develop in om Tata Idaman. 

"We from the village are grateful to PHSS because of the briquettes program which in the future can be more successful and develop again," added Ahmad.

In addition to the Om Tata Idaman Program, PHSS also contributes to maintaining infrastructure that supports community empowerment activities, namely the Rehabilitation of the New Handil Community Empowerment Institution (LPM) Building. 

Chairman of LPM Handil Baru Yamani said that a decent building would support the implementation of community assistance activities more optimally. 

PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS) is a subsidiary of PHI that manages upstream oil and gas operations and business by ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles in the Sanga Sanga Working Area in East Kalimantan. PHSS, together with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, run innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the fields of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.