Pertamina Patra Niaga Promotes Circular Economy through Sustainable Waste and Residue Management
Amidst the increasingly complex challenges of waste and residue management, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is introducing various innovations that transform residual materials into valuable resources. These innovations are being developed through several programmes in Balikpapan and Madiun, focusing on plastic waste processing, the utilisation of household waste, the digitalisation of waste banks, and the reduction of operational hazardous waste (B3).
The Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga, Roberth M.V. Dumatubun, stated that the implementation of a circular economy is one of the company’s efforts to create a sustainable positive impact on the environment and society. “Pertamina Patra Niaga is committed to continuously providing innovations capable of addressing environmental challenges while simultaneously providing social and economic benefits to the community. Through a circular economy approach, we encourage waste and residue management that focuses not only on reducing waste generation but also on creating sustainable added value,” said Roberth.
One such effort is realised through the Borneo Integrated Environmental Management (Pelita) Community Involvement and Development (CID) programme, managed by Pertamina Patra Niaga Balikpapan Refinery. This programme processes household plastic waste, such as sachets and food packaging, into useful products including roster blocks, paving blocks, and LDPE sheets without the use of incineration. Additionally, the programme encourages the processing of organic waste into compost and the conversion of used cooking oil into solid soap, liquid soap, and candles. These initiatives not only help reduce household waste generation but also create economic opportunities for the community by utilising materials that previously held no value.
In East Java, the Madiun Fuel Terminal is promoting community-based waste management through the Pesanggrahan Waste Bank and the Sokrosok digital application. This innovation facilitates the collection and pickup of inorganic waste for the community while increasing the transparency of waste bank administrative records through a digital system. Beyond collection, the accumulated inorganic waste is reprocessed into various economically valuable products through 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Workshops, such as plaques, fans, tables, keychains, and plastic brooms.
The Pesanggrahan Climate Village Programme (Proklim) has demonstrated a tangible impact on the environment and the community. Records show a reduction in organic waste of 16,000 kilograms and inorganic waste of 1,380 kilograms. The programme also contributes to reducing methane emissions by approximately 2,013 kilograms per year and absorbing up to 13,000 kilograms of carbon per year.
From an economic perspective, the community group has recorded a cumulative income increase of Rp 14.6 million, alongside electricity cost savings of approximately Rp 700,000 per month through the use of solar energy. The programme involves around 40 active members and provides indirect benefits to more than 3,000 people in the surrounding Pesanggrahan area.
Kurnia Fidia Wati, a key figure in the Pesanggrahan Proklim, stated that the programme’s success is inseparable from the collaboration between the community and Pertamina Patra Niaga in building a culture of sustainable waste management. “Together with Pertamina Patra Niaga, we have proven that waste management can become a collective movement that benefits both the environment and the community. Great changes always begin with small, consistent steps taken through mutual cooperation,” said Kurnia.
Through these various initiatives, Pertamina Patra Niaga continues to strengthen its contribution to supporting waste reduction, responsible waste management, and the development of a circular economy across its operational areas. This commitment aligns with the company’s efforts to create shared value for society while supporting sustainable development in Indonesia.