Balikpapan – PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) held a joint media program, BASO IGA PHI (Fun Talks About Oil and Gas ala PHI) Special Edition, in East Kalimantan, titled "Climbing Indonesia's Energy." Nine journalists were invited to visit offshore production facilities, namely the drilling rig and Yakin Field, managed by PHKT in the Southern Operations Area (DOBS) on July 24, 2025. This activity aimed to enhance journalists' understanding of the upstream oil and gas industry and the complex challenges associated with field operations.

The online, print, and television media crews were welcomed by Ted S. Pelawi, Manager of Drilling Zona 10 at Pertamina's Upstream Subholding, and Bidner Sianturi, Assistant Manager of Drilling Operation 2. The two enthusiastically guided the journalists, explaining the process of drilling oil and gas wells to achieve safe, secure, and sustainable operations. The media crew visited the Asian Endeavour 1 (AE-1) drilling tower.

While visiting the production facility, media crews wore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like oil and gas workers, as part of their safety equipment. "The media is one of the Company's stakeholders, playing a crucial role in educating the public about the upstream oil and gas industry, ensuring its awareness. We hope the public will support the sustainability of upstream oil and gas operations and investments, thereby supporting the increase in national oil and gas reserves and production, in line with the government's Asta Cita (Goal of Energy Self-Sufficiency)," said Ted S. Pelawi when opening the discussion session.

Ted further explained the specifications of Rig AE-1 and the challenges of working in this high-risk industry. "The entire PHKT drilling team and partners consistently provide their best in executing challenging wells, ensuring they achieve their desired targets below the surface or subsurface. We always prioritize safety as a paramount aspect and a key foundation in all our operations and business activities," Ted said. He also explained the various stages of drilling, the rig's primary function, and the role of technology and work discipline in maintaining safety and operational reliability.

Erwin, Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) in North Penajam Paser, who participated in the program, expressed his enthusiasm and appreciation for the PHKT's visit. The visit provided an interesting experience for him, as it provided him with a firsthand glimpse into the upstream oil and gas industry, right at the heart of production facilities. "The concept of this activity is very beneficial. We were given a rare opportunity and valuable experience to experience the rigors of working as energy workers in offshore areas with high safety and proper procedures," he concluded.

On a separate occasion, Zona 10 General Manager Yoseph Agung Prihartono explained that this drilling activity aims to increase reserves, which is crucial for the sustainability of oil and gas production and national energy security. "We hope for the support of stakeholders so that this drilling activity can run smoothly," he said.

Furthermore, Yoseph also explained that drilling is a highly complex undertaking. "Our production facilities are also vital national assets that we must protect together. We hope our journalists can educate the public about the upstream oil and gas industry," he added.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia's Communication Relations & CID Manager, Dony Indrawan, explained that this media gathering program is a strategic step for the Company to increase public understanding of upstream oil and gas operations continuously. "We believe the mass media is both a stakeholder and a communication channel for the wider public. By increasing journalists' understanding of the upstream oil and gas industry, the public will receive better and more accurate information and news," he explained.

He explained that the BASO IGA PHI activities have been running since 2021 and are routinely held with the involvement of local and national media outlets in Kalimantan and Jakarta, with various objectives and activities. "We have halal bihalal (gathering), upskilling, sports, and special editions. This special edition aims to provide a closer look at drilling operations by visiting the sites themselves," he added.

Dony believes that the success and sustainability of national oil and gas production requires the support of all stakeholders, including the public and the mass media. "We believe this activity will foster stakeholder understanding and provide positive support for upstream oil and gas operations and businesses, which are crucial for maintaining our country's energy supply," he concluded.

PT Pertamina Hulu East Kalimantan (PHKT) is one of the subsidiaries of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) in Zona 10, which manages upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the East Kalimantan & Attaka Working Areas in East Kalimantan. As a Production Sharing Contract Contractor for the Indonesian government represented by SKK Migas, PHKT, together with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continues to innovate and apply various technologies to produce safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy to support the sustainability of national oil and gas production and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. Further information about PHKT and PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.