Energy Ministry Praises Pertamina's Readiness Ahead of Ramadan at Balongan Refinery
INDRAMAYU – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) commended PT Pertamina (Persero)’s readiness in preparing for the 2026 Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period. This assessment emerged during a visit by the Directorate General of Oil and Gas, Laode Sulaeman, to PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN) Subholding Downstream Refinery Unit VI Balongan in Indramayu Regency, West Java, on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
The visit was accompanied by Erika Retnowati, Chairperson of the National Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Coordinating Centre 2026, Mars Ega Legowo Putra, Chief Executive of Pertamina Patra Niaga, and Didik Bahagia, Director of Operations at Pertamina Patra Niaga Refinery.
Laode explained that Pertamina has reactivated its Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Task Force to support the availability and smooth distribution of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ensuring public needs are met. Pertamina is also providing various services, including mobile fuel delivery and other supporting facilities.
“The supply conditions for fuel, LPG and crude oil are all readily available. The public need not worry about the current situation,” Laode stated.
Erika Retnowati, Chairperson of the National Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Coordinating Centre 2026, echoed similar sentiments. She noted that Pertamina has undertaken various efforts to maximise meeting public demand.
“I certainly appreciate Pertamina’s efforts. Given the current uncertain circumstances, they remain committed to meeting public needs to the maximum extent,” she remarked.
Mars Ega Legowo Putra, Chief Executive of Pertamina Patra Niaga, assured that energy supplies are in a secure condition. Pertamina is also working to ensure that infrastructure and facilities supporting the 2026 Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Task Force operations are well-prepared.
“During the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Task Force period, we are preparing various additional services. We want to demonstrate that Pertamina is present with more friendly and warmer service to the public. Petrol stations will also feature various additional facilities, including several free services for travellers,” Ega said.
Beyond reactivating the 2026 Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr Task Force, Pertamina has coordinated with stakeholders to support the Task Force operations running smoothly, safely, and in a controlled manner.
“Pertamina has also established a Task Force unit on standby throughout the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period, both at operational areas and refineries. Each province has a coordinating centre and contact numbers that the public can reach should they encounter difficulties related to energy distribution,” Ega added.
Refinery Unit VI Balongan is Pertamina’s refinery with the highest complexity, demonstrated by a Nelson Complexity Index of approximately 11.9. The Balongan Refinery is capable of producing petroleum fuel products and petrochemicals.