Bontang, East Kalimantan – PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) organized a Training and Benchmarking Program for Parents of Children with Special Needs as part of the Perahu Kertas Program (Protection and Fulfillment of Creativity for Children with Disabilities). In collaboration with PT Kaltim Nitrate Indonesia (PT KNI), this initiative aims to enhance parents' knowledge in caring for children with special needs while promoting inclusion and empowerment.

The training, officially opened by Marangkayu Subdistrict Head AR Ambo Dalle, was attended by 25 residents of Marangkayu Subdistrict at the Multipurpose Hall of Loktuan Village, Bontang, East Kalimantan, on January 9, 2025.

In his opening remarks, AR Ambo Dalle emphasized the importance of community awareness in supporting the growth and development of children with special needs. "Through this training, we hope to provide maximum support so that children with disabilities have equal opportunities to grow and express their creativity," he said while expressing his appreciation for the initiative and execution of the event.

Superintendent of HSSE Santan Terminal PHKT, Yulhafidz, explained that the training is part of PHKT's corporate social and environmental responsibility programs in its operational areas. "We believe that education is the key to opening opportunities and providing a better future for all children, without exception. This activity marks the beginning of creating a more inclusive world," he stated.

Similarly, PT KNI representative Wisnu noted that the Perahu Kertas Program is a tangible form of support for fulfilling the rights of children with disabilities. "We hope this initiative will enhance parents' and communities' understanding of the importance of proper guidance for children with special needs," he said.

The training featured several expert speakers who provided valuable insights to participants. Nurhidayah from the Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning/Dinas Pemberdayaan Perempuan, Perlindungan Anak dan Keluarga Berencana (DP3AKB) highlighted the importance of empowering families to support children with disabilities. "Children with disabilities have the same rights to thrive in a loving and understanding environment," she remarked.

Another speaker, the Principal of SLB Amali, Miraningsih, shared her experiences creating an inclusive and safe educational environment for children with disabilities. "Disability-friendly education is key to enabling these children to realize their potential," she noted.

The program also included testimonials from parents of children with special needs, such as Jajuli and Fatimah, who shared the challenges and lessons learned in supporting their children. Psychologist Laela Siddiqah provided a comprehensive understanding of recognizing the needs of children with disabilities. "Raising public awareness is the first step toward fostering better inclusion," she said.

This training program is expected to inspire similar initiatives to create more inclusive and equitable environments for exceptional children in Kalimantan and throughout Indonesia.

PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) responsible for managing upstream oil and gas operations in alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the East Kalimantan & Attaka Work Area. Collaborating with SKK Migas, PHKT, and other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continuously innovate and apply advanced technologies to produce safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy, contributing to #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. For more information about PHI, visit https://phi.pertamina.com.