Jakarta – PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) appreciates the achievements of 30 recipients of the Batch I 2024 and Batch II 2025 Beasiswa Sobat Bumi Kalimantan (BSBK), who have successfully maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout their studies and actively participated in various productive activities. The scholarship recipients, who are pursuing their education at Mulawarman University, Lambung Mangkurat University, Kalimantan Institute of Technology, and Borneo Tarakan University, have not only excelled academically but have also actively contributed to various community empowerment and environmental preservation programs.

Launched in 2024, BSBK reflects PHI’s commitment to fostering outstanding, competitive generations by improving access to higher education. Fully supported by PHI’s subsidiaries, namely PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM), PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS), and PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT), the program provides full scholarships to high-achieving students from underprivileged families living around PHI’s operational areas in East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, and North Kalimantan. Through BSBK, PHI is committed to preparing a generation of young Kalimantan talents who are outstanding, globally competitive, and committed to sustainable development.

PHI Manager Communication Relations & CID, Dony Indrawan, emphasized that education is a long-term investment that plays an important role in shaping future generations who are accomplished and broad-minded. “Through BSBK, we aim to create greater opportunities for the young generation of Kalimantan to access higher education, develop their potential, and grow into outstanding talents capable of making meaningful contributions to regional and national development, as well as environmental preservation for the sustainability of life,” said Dony.

Through the BSBK Program, PHI not only provides educational and living-cost assistance but also equips recipients with capacity-building programs and opportunities to participate in sustainability initiatives, such as Desa Energi Berdikari, Aksi Sobat Bumi, and Sekolah Energi Berdikari. “We believe that BSBK serves as one of the Company’s tangible contributions to supporting the Government’s Asta Cita agenda related to strengthening the quality of human resources, while also contributing to the achievement of SDG Goal 4 on Quality Education and Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities,” explained Dony.

One of the 2024 BSBK recipients, Zahratul Sa’diyah, or Zahra, a Management Faculty student who achieved a GPA of 3.75, has experienced the tangible benefits of the program. For Zahra, the scholarship not only helped her meet her educational needs but also provided opportunities for personal development through training programs that strengthened her communication skills, leadership abilities, and capacity as a future leader. Equipped with these experiences, Zahra has achieved several accomplishments. She represented East Kalimantan in the Jujitsu competition at the National Sports Week (PON) in Kudus in 2025 and represented Mulawarman University in a Business Plan Competition held at Jambi University. “The Capacity Building Program has made me more confident in public speaking. I have also gained insights into community empowerment through the Desa Berdikari program,” said Zahra.

BSBK also inspired Zahra to develop a community empowerment-based social project through the Eco Enzyme innovation. The program utilizes organic kitchen waste, such as fruit peels and vegetable scraps, which are fermented with sugar and water for three months to produce an environmentally friendly multipurpose liquid. According to Zahra, Eco Enzyme can be used as a household cleaning agent, a wastewater decomposer, an organic fertilizer, and even a personal care ingredient. “I hope to encourage groups of women to develop the Eco Enzyme program. In addition to reducing household waste, this initiative also has the potential to drive a circular economy within my community in Samarinda,” said Zahra.

A similar view was shared by Abdi Chafarid Amir, a Chemical Engineering student at Mulawarman University from Muara Badak, who currently maintains a GPA of 3.84. Abdi stated that he set a target of achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 throughout his studies as a form of responsibility as a BSBK scholarship recipient. According to Abdi, the benefits he has received extend beyond financial support for education to include opportunities for self-development through various activities focused on competency enhancement and environmental awareness. One of the most memorable experiences for him was participating in the Aksi Sobat program, which broadened his understanding of the importance of mangrove ecosystem preservation.

As a son of a coastal community, Abdi realizes that mangroves not only serve to protect coastal areas from abrasion but also play an important role in supporting environmental sustainability while contributing to the livelihoods of communities living along the coast. Zahratul Sa’diyah and Abdi Chafarid Amir encourage prospective applicants for the 2026 Sobat Bumi Kalimantan Scholarship to be courageous in trying and confident in their abilities. According to them, the BSBK program not only helps cover educational expenses but also provides opportunities to develop personal capacity, broaden perspectives, and build networks that will benefit the future.

The stories of Zahra, Abdi, and other BSBK recipients demonstrate that educational support can create opportunities for young people to excel and contribute to society. Through BSBK, the Company not only helps alleviate educational expenses but also equips recipients with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to support personal development and encourage meaningful contributions to sustainable development in Kalimantan. The opportunity to join the BSBK journey will return with the launch of the 2026 Batch III BSBK Program, scheduled for June 2026. Information on requirements, selection stages, and the program schedule can be accessed via the official Instagram accounts of PHI and the Pertamina Foundation (PF), the program's implementing partner.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) is part of Pertamina’s Upstream Subholding, managing upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in Regional 3 Kalimantan, covering Zona 8, Zona 9, and Zona 10 in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates in cooperation with SKK Migas, PHI implements innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the areas of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.