Gianyar, Bali - PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) successfully replicated one of the company's flagship CSR programs, namely the Waste to Energy for Community (Wasteco) Program, which involves processing and utilizing methane gas from organic waste (Lembu Putih waste) as an alternative energy source for the community. The replication of the Wasteco Program took place in the Tourism Village of Taro, Gianyar, Bali, and has been ongoing since July 2022.

During the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities for the first quarter of 2024 held on February 16-18, 2024, in Taro Village, the Head of Communication Relations & CID at PHM, Frans Alexander A. Hukom, explained that the processing and utilization of methane gas from Lembu Putih waste to support the activities of Bumdes business units in the tourism village had successfully saved approximately Rp 45 million per year in costs. "PHM routinely conducts monitoring and evaluation to track the progress and benefits of using the Wasteco method and to identify any challenges," Frans explained. The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities took place in collaboration with the Head of the Department of Environment (DLH) of Balikpapan City and the Head of the Final Waste Processing Site (TPAS) in Manggar, Balikpapan.

Additionally, Frans emphasized that harnessing Renewable Energy Sources (EBT) such as methane gas aligns with the company's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The collaborative Wasteco Program between PHM and the DLH of Balikpapan City further promotes the accessibility of affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the community, taking into account environmental considerations.

"At the moment, we are exploring further activities in Taro Village, such as the possibility of adding Wasteco installation networks in the form of distribution pipes and collection tanks," said Frans.

Meanwhile, Sudirman Djayalaksana, head of the Department of Environment of Balikpapan City, appreciated PHM for the Wasteco replication activities, acknowledging the continued benefits that have reached a broader scope beyond East Kalimantan Province. "The replication in Taro Village is an excellent example of collaboration between PHM, the government, and the community to provide solutions for the utilization of renewable energy through the transfer of knowledge from PHM to the community," he said.

During this M&E activity, the Head of Taro Village, I Wayan Warka, mentioned that they had never thought they could produce methane gas from Lembu Putih waste and supply it to the Bumdes Resto Lembu Putih business unit, which is quite far from the gas source. "The use of methane gas has significantly reduced the operational costs of our village restaurant. Previously, we needed five to seven LPG cylinders daily," said Wayan.

Dony Indrawan, Manager of Communication Relations and CID at PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) outlined the company's commitment to implementing innovative and sustainable CSR programs. According to him, the Wasteco Program at PHM is part of the Pertamina Self-Reliant Village (Desa Energi Berdikari—DEB) initiative implemented in various CSR programs in Kalimantan. In its development, PHM collaborates with the Department of Environment of Balikpapan City at the Manggar Final Waste Processing Site (TPAS) in Balikpapan.

"Wasteco adopts six oil and gas technologies, among the company's core competencies, in processing waste into methane gas to support the gas needs of the surrounding community and the development of MSMEs in Manggar Subdistrict, Balikpapan," he added.

Until the end of December 2023, the Wasteco Program in Balikpapan had processed waste and utilized methane gas up to 820 thousand cubic meters per year, benefiting 1,250 residents and 28 MSMEs. This program has also contributed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 7 on Clean and Affordable Energy and Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. The Wasteco Program has successfully reduced emissions by 296,356 tons of CO2eq per year, which is an implementation of support for SDG Goal 13 on Climate Action.

The Wasteco Program obtained a patent from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia in June 2023 and garnered recognition and awards on the international stage. It most notably received the Platinum Award at The 15th Annual Global CSR Award & Summit 2023 in the Asia-Pacific region in Da Nang, Vietnam.

"Seeing the successful replication in Taro Village, we are increasingly confident that the Wasteco program replication can be implemented in other locations in Indonesia, thus generating even greater positive impacts on the environment and society," he concluded.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) that manages upstream oil and gas operations based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Mahakam Working Area in East Kalimantan. Through cooperation with SKK Migas, PHM, along with other subsidiaries and affiliates of PHI, implements innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the fields of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PHI's headquarters is in Jakarta. Further information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.