Banyuwangi – PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, organized a Coral Reef and Biodiversity Conservation activity in the waters of Bangsring, Banyuwangi, on December 11, 2024. This initiative is part of the company's commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this activity, PHI collaborated with a coral reef community. The event featured coral reef transplantation aimed at preserving underwater biodiversity, restoring damaged coral reef ecosystems, and raising public awareness about the importance of marine environmental conservation. Furthermore, this conservation effort is expected to contribute to the sustainability of marine resources and support the local economy through the development of ecotourism.

PHI Environment Manager, Kemas Adrian, expressed his pride in contributing to this conservation activity, supporting SDG Goal 13 on Climate Action and Goal 14 on Life Below Water. "With the community's support, we are confident that this activity can not only protect the environment but also strengthen social ties between the company and the local community," Kemas stated.

The event began with an explanation from the Samudra Bakti community about the history of coral reef conservation in Bangsring Underwater. During this session, participants gained insights into the long journey of coral reef conservation at Bangsring, which has now become an educational tourism destination and a habitat for marine life.

Certified divers among the participants then carried out underwater coral reef transplantation under the direct guidance of the conservation community team. The transplanted coral species was Acropora, known for its branching shape. During the activity, participants planted four racks, each containing nine fragments.

Chairman of the Samudra Bakti Coral Reef Community, Ikhwan Arif, expressed his appreciation for PHI's support. "This collaboration is concrete evidence that environmental conservation requires synergy between various parties, including the business sector. We hope programs like this can continue to positively impact marine ecosystems and the well-being of the Bangsring community.

Participants in the activity came from all Environmental Functions within PHI Regional 3 Kalimantan, including subsidiaries and affiliates such as PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga, PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur, PT Pertamina EP Sangasanga, PT Pertamina EP Sangatta, PT Pertamina EP Sangatta Field Semberah, PT Pertamina EP Tanjung, PT Pertamina EP Bunyu, PT Pertamina EP Tarakan, and JOB Simenggaris.

They took part directly in the coral reef transplantation at Bangsring Underwater, an ecotourism destination based on coral reef conservation developed by the Samudra Bakti community in 2014. This area showcases the beauty of natural and artificial coral reefs as fish habitats while serving as a hub for marine environmental education and conservation. Besides attracting thousands of visitors annually, Bangsring Underwater has also enhanced the welfare of coastal communities through local economic empowerment.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) is part of Pertamina's Upstream Subholding, managing upstream oil and gas operations in Regional 3 Kalimantan based on ESG principles to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class oil and gas company. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates in collaboration with SKK Migas, PHI carries out innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the fields of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support the achievement of SDGs and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. Further information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.