BALIKPAPAN - PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) lent its support to the observance of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac Day) held at Pasir Ridge Complex, Balikpapan, on April 25th. Anzac Day commemorates the historic moment of battle against the Japanese occupation in 1945 to liberate Kalimantan, where 229 Australian and New Zealand soldiers fell. The residential complex and office of PHKT in Pasir Ridge are among the battle sites in Balikpapan.

The Anzac Day ceremony this year saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including Gita Kamath, the Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Indonesia, as well as the Chief of Staff of Kodam VI Mulawarman, officials from the Youth Sports and Tourism Office of Balikpapan, representatives from the Indonesian Navy and Air Force stationed in Balikpapan, members of the Indonesian Veterans Legion (LVRI) Balikpapan Branch, and Captain Damnod Radford from the Australian Armed Forces.

During the event, representatives of the organizing committee, Kenneth Morris and Australian Deputy Ambassador Gita Kamath, presented tokens of appreciation to PHKT, represented by HSSE Operations Manager Rotua Elyzabeth.

Rotua Elyzabeth mentioned that this event offers a platform for participants to share stories and strengthen the enduring bonds among Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. Anzac Day observances on April 25th annually draw hundreds of citizens from Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, in his address, Kenneth Morris said, "Anzac Day commemorations are a tribute and appreciation for the services of the heroes. Many brave soldiers lost their lives on the ground where we stand today. I urge you to look down and imagine the struggles of soldiers decades ago."

Between May and August 1945, Australian soldiers fought to liberate Kalimantan from Japanese occupation. On July 1st, 1945, they launched a large-scale amphibious operation for 20 days, which eventually incapacitated the Japanese army. The Australian military received support from the armed forces of New Zealand, France, and the United States. Ultimately, the conflict concluded on August 14th, 1945.

"With humility, I attend this ceremony in Balikpapan. We pay tribute to the veterans who sacrificed for their country and loved ones. We will always remember them. Let us not forget," said Australian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Gita Kamath.

PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) that manages upstream oil and gas operations by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the East Kalimantan & Attaka Working Area in East Kalimantan. Through collaboration with SKK Migas, PHKT, along with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continues to implement various innovations and technological applications to produce energy that is safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly to realize #KalimantanEnergyForIndonesia. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.