Pertamina Patra Niaga Holds Environmental Education Programme in Medan Coastal Area

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has conducted environmental education in the coastal area of Medan, North Sumatra, through its Sekolah Kawasan Pesisir (Sekar) programme. VP Corporate Communications of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Kitty Andhora, stated that the programme was implemented at SD Negeri 068426 in Nelayan Indah Village, Medan Labuhan District. “This programme is an environmental education initiative aimed at improving students’ literacy and concern for coastal environmental conservation,” she said. Through a ‘learning by doing’ approach, students are equipped with knowledge and direct practice regarding waste management, sorting organic and inorganic waste, utilising compost houses, recycling, planting vegetation, and environmental clean-up actions. Pertamina Patra Niaga also carried out educational activities on using a compost house involving 20 students representing grades IV, V, and VI. The knowledge gained by the participants is expected to be passed on to all 497 students at the school, supported by 26 teaching staff, so that the programme’s benefits can be felt more widely. The programme’s implementation also received support from various stakeholders, including the School Supervisor of Medan Labuhan District, Nelayan Indah Village, and Medan Labuhan District. “This collaboration is an important part of building a sustainable culture of environmental care in coastal areas,” Kitty added. She also stated that environmental education from an early age is an important investment in creating a generation that cares about environmental sustainability. “Pertamina Patra Niaga believes that efforts to protect the environment must start early. Through the Sekar programme, we not only provide education but also build positive habits through direct practice so that students can become agents of change in their school, family, and coastal community environments,” she said. The programme is also part of the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable benefits to the community through collaboration with various stakeholders, while supporting the creation of a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The Head of SD Negeri 068426, Nurhayati, expressed her appreciation for the Sekar programme. “This programme provides enormous benefits for students in understanding how to sort waste, recognise types of waste that can be recycled, and process it into various valuable creative works. Now, the children not only throw rubbish into the bin but are also able to transform it into various creative results, such as butterfly-shaped wall decorations and other works,” she said. Nurhayati hopes the programme will continue so that more students develop environmental awareness from an early age. Kitty added that the programme is also supported by the use of a solar power plant at the school, which saves around Rp150,000 per month in electricity costs while serving as a backup power source during outages. “Through these activities, students are encouraged to build habits of sorting waste, reducing environmental pollution, and understanding the importance of preserving the coastal ecosystem as part of their daily lives,” she said.