Pertamina empowers communities to manage water hyacinth in South Sumatra and Central Java

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is empowering residents in South Sumatra and Central Java to process water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), a common weed, into value-added products while contributing to environmental conservation. Corporate Secretary Roberth MV Dumatubun said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday that through the empowerment programme, the company is seeking to turn environmental challenges into opportunities that can improve community welfare and encourage innovation based on local potential. In South Sumatra, the Eceng Gondok Research and Creative Center (ERCC) programme, run by Pertamina Patra Niaga Kilang Plaju together with the Anak-Anak Kreatif Untuk Bangsa (Ankubas) group since 2023, has processed water hyacinth biomass into a room fragrance called Ankubas Scents. Through a research and innovation approach, the fragrance is marketed via local business networks, car wash partners, and digital platforms. By 2025, sales turnover reached Rp50 million, with market coverage in South Sumatra including Palembang City, Banyuasin Regency, and Lahat Regency. In Central Java, Pertamina Patra Niaga Aviation Fuel Terminal (AFT) Adi Sumarmo has been running the Ecobiz Cengklik programme since 2022 in Sobokerto Village, Boyolali, converting water hyacinth into organic fertiliser, animal feed, fish feed, and biogas. The programme also supports sustainable agriculture through the construction of solar-powered submersible wells for irrigation and the BERSIH (Hygienic Vegetable Washing Tank) innovation. To date, Ecobiz Cengklik has benefited 88 direct recipients, formed one new farmers’ group, and contributed to improving the reservoir’s environmental quality. One of the programme’s driving forces, Khoirul Huda, said fewer people are now choosing to become farmers. ‘Together with my friends, I want farmers to be prosperous and for farming to be a choice,’ he said. Roberth added that the success of both programmes aligns with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and shows that community-based social innovation can create sustainable impact. ‘Through ERCC and Ecobiz Cengklik, we see how communities can become the main actors in creating change,’ he said. These programmes, he continued, prove that environmental conservation and welfare improvement can go hand in hand. ‘This is the embodiment of Pertamina Patra Niaga’s commitment to grow together with the community and create sustainable impact,’ Roberth stated.