Bunyu Island, North Kalimantan– PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field has successfully developed the Automatic Watering Device/Alat Siram Otomatis (ATAMI) to support the Mantap Betul Program, which stands for Media Tanam Akar Pakis Untuk Bunyu Pertanian Unggul (Planting Media of Fern Roots for Superior Bunyu Agriculture). This environmentally-based CSR program on Bunyu Island focuses on utilizing fern roots as a planting medium for hydroponic and conventional farming.

In developing ATAMI, PEP Bunyu Field collaborated with Posyantek Bunyu and Karang Taruna Karya Muda of Bunyu Barat Village. This technological innovation represents a breakthrough in enhancing agricultural efficiency in Bunyu. Utilizing advanced IT-based technology, ATAMI can be accessed via a Telegram app to monitor soil temperature and moisture.

Despredi Akbar, Senior Field Manager of PEP Bunyu Field, emphasized that this technology's success is a result of collaboration with the community and government, supporting the sustainability of the agricultural sector through the use of appropriate technology that optimizes land productivity.

“This breakthrough and innovation have received full support from the Bunyu District Government and the Community and Village Empowerment Office of Bulungan,” he added.

According to Despredi, this collaborative support has made ATAMI a new and unique IT innovation in the agricultural sector of North Kalimantan. “This achievement provides an opportunity for ATAMI to participate in the 25th TTG (Appropriate Technology) event in Mataram, NTB,” Despredi explained.

Previously, the Mantap Betul Program won first place in the Appropriate Technology Innovation category from the North Kalimantan Province. The award was presented at the 25th Nusantara Appropriate Technology event in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, on July 4, 2024. During this occasion, the Governor of North Kalimantan, DR (HC) H. Zainal A. Paliwang, M.Hum, stated that this Automatic Watering Device innovation is a new development in North Kalimantan and should continue to be advanced.

Representing the beneficiaries of the Mantap Betul Program, Azlansah expressed hope that the development of ATAMI will inspire farmers. “We hope this innovation can also encourage youth interest in farming and continuous innovation, contributing to food availability for the community in North Kalimantan, especially on Bunyu Island,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dony Indrawan, Manager of Communication Relations & CID at PHI, stated that the company collaborates with all stakeholders to develop innovative and sustainable CSR programs. “ATAMI is a successful example of collaborative innovation that provides a solution for the Mantap Betul Program and enables farmers in this region to thrive and become self-sufficient,” Dony explained.

He noted that using ATAMI technology will enhance the use of limited agricultural land, resulting in better production for farmers and food supply for the Bunyu community. “In the Mantap Betul Program, we are optimistic that farming on limited land can still yield high productivity. Additionally, this program contributes to environmental sustainability, provides income sources for the community, and aligns with government initiatives to enhance food security in the region,” he concluded.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field operates under Subholding Upstream Regional 3, led by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), adhering to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Through collaboration with SKK Migas, PEP Bunyu Field, along with its subsidiaries and other PHI 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 achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For more information about PHI, visit https://phi.pertamina.com.