Pertamina Introduces AI System to Monitor Biodiversity

Amid the growing need for transparency, reporting accuracy, and the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, PT Pertamina (Persero), through the Pertamina Foundation, has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-based biodiversity monitoring system called PF-Lestari. Supported by AI technology and spatial analysis, PF-Lestari is capable of measuring vegetation health indices, detecting land cover changes, and estimating tree counts. The platform also features precision mapping that allows users to observe land cover profiles and topography more comprehensively. With these features, PF-Lestari simplifies the digital inventory of plant species and maintenance history, as well as mapping the initial carbon absorption potential in planting areas. Agus Mashud S. Asngari, President Director of the Pertamina Foundation, stated that the PF-Lestari innovation arose from the challenges of decentralised biodiversity data management and the difficulty of obtaining regular visualisations of actual conditions. “Through PF-Lestari, we integrate monitoring, analysis, and reporting processes to run more efficiently and accurately. Currently, PF-Lestari has been implemented in various areas of the Hutan Lestari programme managed by the foundation to support the rehabilitation of critical land in Forest Areas with Special Purposes (KHDTK),” he said. The technology supports data collection on endemic tree planting and multi-purpose tree species (MPTS), while strengthening forestry research and education functions. PF-Lestari also features an integrated dashboard that enables more efficient field data management, survival rate estimation, and carbon stock potential assessment, leading to more measurable and accountable programme evaluations. Agus noted that PF-Lestari has the potential to generate value creation of Rp2.19 billion, supported by internal replication, expansion to the Pertamina Group, and external commercialisation. The innovation was recognised at the 2026 Annual Pertamina Quality Award (APQA), achieving the Platinum predicate in the PC-Prove category. This marks the first time the Pertamina Foundation has participated in APQA and immediately won the Platinum award. “This achievement proves that the innovation we developed meets high-quality standards, and serves as a great motivation for us to continue innovating to support more accountable and sustainable environmental programmes,” Agus concluded. Through the use of PF-Lestari, environmental conservation initiatives are expected to be strengthened from planning to reporting. The documented data aligns with the government’s Asta Cita goals related to strengthening environmental resilience, and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).