Kapuas River recedes, Pertamina optimises Tayan Buffer Terminal
Pontianak (ANTARA) - Pertamina Patra Niaga is optimising the Tayan-Sanggau Buffer Terminal to strengthen the distribution of fuel, particularly Biosolar, to the upper regions of West Kalimantan following the receding levels of the Kapuas River.
“Through the Tayan-Sanggau Buffer Terminal, we are strengthening the distribution capacity of Biosolar while bringing the supply point closer to the upper regions of West Kalimantan,” said Edi Mangun, Area Manager of Communication, Relations & CSR for PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Kalimantan, in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Thursday.
Edi stated that the facility has been operational since 8 September 2024 as an additional supply point.
According to Edi, coordination is being conducted with provincial and district governments, as well as relevant stakeholders, to support the facility’s operations and ensure the smooth distribution of fuel.
“We understand the importance of fuel for the mobility and economic activities of the community. Therefore, we continue to optimise distribution so that deliveries to petrol stations continue to reach the upper regions,” he said.
Pertamina advises the public to purchase fuel according to their needs. Information or reports regarding suspected fuel distribution irregularities can be submitted via the Pertamina Contact Centre 135.
Fuel Terminal Manager for Sintang, Risky Firmansyah, stated that the prolonged drought influenced by the El Niño phenomenon has caused the shrinkage of the waterways used as fuel distribution routes.
The receding of the Kapuas River has impacted the access of supply ships to the Sintang Fuel Terminal as well as alternative terminals in Sanggau. This condition has prompted Pertamina to adjust delivery routes to ensure supplies remain steady.
“Previously, distribution was optimised via land routes from the Pontianak Integrated Terminal. Now, the support of the Tayan-Sanggau Buffer Terminal allows Biosolar to be transferred directly from ships to tankers through a direct loading system,” said Risky.
According to him, this pattern allows tankers to transport Biosolar directly from ships to petrol stations, thereby reducing the distance and time required for deliveries to the upper regions.
The Tayan-Sanggau Buffer Terminal supports the distribution of Biosolar to the Sanggau, Sintang, Melawi, Sekadau, and Kapuas Hulu regencies. Delivery volumes are adjusted according to the needs of each region and the conditions of the distribution access.
In addition to water-related obstacles, Pertamina is also taking into account the impact of smoke from forest and land fires on tanker travel. Limited visibility is a key consideration in determining delivery times and routes.