For Sustainability, Pertamina is Committed to Creating Energy Independence

The utilisation of clean energy presents a significant opportunity to drive community development. In Cilacap Regency, the use of clean energy goes hand-in-hand with efforts to preserve the coastal ecosystem in Berdikari Jaga Pati Village, specifically within the mangrove forests. These forests serve not only as a natural bulwark against abrasion but also as a habitat for biota and a source of livelihood for the local community.

In Dumai, at Bukit Timah Berdikari Village, previously uncultivated scrubland has been transformed into a productive area for fruit crops, ranging from longan to durian, adding value for the community through the support of solar energy. Similarly, in Bali, specifically in the Kelan Traditional Village, solar clean energy is being utilised with guidance from Pertamina International Shipping.

The life of this traditional village is inseparable from the sea. Clean energy is being integrated into daily life to support fishing activities, notably through electric boat engines that can be charged via solar-powered charging stations. This energy is used not only for fishing but also provides a unique experience for tourists riding electric boats.

Wayan Wirtha, a fisherman and member of the Tanjung Sari KUB in the Kelan Adat Berdikari Energy Village, stated that Kelan Traditional Village has been energy-independent for a year using electric boats. “The advantage of these electric boats is that they are quiet, making them very suitable for tourism as birds are not startled away,” he told CNBC Indonesia.

For Wayan, electric boats are more efficient and environmentally friendly. He noted that those interested in mangrove tourism in Bali can visit, particularly during October in the morning hours.

Notably, the solar power plant (PLTS) in Kelan receives support from Pertamina and can reduce energy costs by more as much as 50%. Furthermore, the community is trained to process seafood into various food products to support the local economy and family income.

Ni Luh Sriani, a member of the Kelan Village PKK cadre, mentioned that she and several other women were invited by Pertamina to receive education on processing marine fish, initially for family consumption and subsequently for sale. “I have gained a lot of knowledge in processing various fish products, such as siomay, sate lilit, and many more. In addition to the women, children also participated, so we learned about many fish preparations that we were previously unfamiliar with,” said Ni Luh Sriani.

Meanwhile, Mikhael Tefa, Coordinator of the Kenali/Divers Clean Action programme, also provided education to children regarding waste, including marine debris, its various sources, and how to reduce waste starting from oneself. “More and more children are now able to process waste. We must reduce the amount of waste that reaches landfill sites by sorting it,” he said.

Mikhael’s training sessions are conducted up to 12 times a year. Vega Pita, Acting Corporate Secretary of PIS, stated that PIS ensures business continuity can run alongside the empowerment of coastal communities. “Through the provision of sustainable energy access, PIS supports the fishing activities of fishermen to be more environmentally friendly and capable of maintaining the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods,” he concluded.