MedcoEnergi Demonstrates That Women Can Lead This Industry
MedcoEnergi has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality in the energy sector through the commemoration of Kartini Day 2026, packaged in the Kartini Eternity Concert themed “Aspirations, Hopes, Dreams” at Soehanna Hall, The Energy Jakarta, on Friday (24/4/2026). The event served as a space for reflection that women are now not only present in the energy industry but also leading within it.
MedcoEnergi’s Chairwoman Yani Panigoro opened the event by emphasising that the meaning of Kartini should not stop at annual ceremonies. She highlighted that real change in the workplace, including the energy sector, only occurs when competence and courage are given equal space.
“Kartini did not ask for permission to become educated. She demanded the right to become a complete human being,” said Yani in her speech in Jakarta, quoted on Monday (27/4/2026).
She added that opening spaces for women in the energy industry is not the result of pity, but the fruit of capacity and consistency. According to her, this principle has been applied at MedcoEnergi in building a more inclusive work ecosystem.
“What opens the space is not pity. What opens the space is competence, courage, and not wanting to stay silent. That is Kartini. And that is what I see every day at MedcoEnergi,” she stated.
Amid a global energy industry still dominated by men, MedcoEnergi records more than 20 percent of leadership positions filled by women. This figure reflects organisational structural changes that are not merely symbolic but systemic.
This national energy company has built various supporting programmes, such as Women at Work for women’s career development in technical and non-technical tracks, daycare and nursery room facilities in offices and operational areas, as well as the Mother and Child Empowerment Home Programme in the company’s work areas.
This change is also felt directly by field workers. VP Operations Offshore Medco E&P, Puti Permata, who has served nearly 22 years in the energy industry, assesses that equality can no longer be seen from gender identity, but from resilience and integrity in working.
“Standing equally is not about gender. It is about resilience and integrity – and that is what I live every day,” said Puti while reading R.A. Kartini’s letters in front of the invited guests.
The event, attended by representatives from ministries, SKK Migas, PLN, Pertamina, as well as MedcoEnergi’s leadership, was packaged in a four-act chamber music format. Each act was opened with readings of Kartini’s letters by MedcoEnergi women who work daily in the energy sector.
Yani Panigoro emphasised that Kartini’s values are not only relevant to women but also to the entire work ecosystem that wants to grow fairly. She views inclusion not merely as a corporate programme, but as a way of working that must live in the company’s daily life.
“Kartini’s legacy is every decision we make fairly, every opportunity we give without prejudice, every dream we allow to grow,” she said.
Through this Kartini Day commemoration, MedcoEnergi wants to show that transformation in the energy industry does not only occur in technology and production, but also in the people within it. At The Energy Jakarta that night, the message was reaffirmed: women are no longer on the sidelines of the energy industry, but at the centre of decision-making.