Pertamina Prioritises Safety Amid Geopolitical Escalation, Relocates 19 Workers from Basra and Dubai

PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) has successfully relocated 11 workers from Basra, Iraq and 8 workers from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The evacuation process from Basra, Iraq to Jakarta required a minimum of 14 days.

The relocation took considerable time due to the closure of several international airports, including those in Kuwait City, Dubai, and Doha.

Awang Lazuardi, Chief Executive Officer of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), stated that the dynamic geopolitical situation is affecting Pertamina’s operations in Iraq.

Syamsu Yudha, Chief Executive Officer of PIEP, emphasised that worker safety is the company’s top priority. PIEP has implemented all health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) procedures and business continuity plans (BCP) in a disciplined and coordinated manner with Pertamina holding, the upstream subholding, and relevant authorities.

He stated that the company has conducted assessments of contingency evacuation route plans to facilitate evacuation should there be further airspace closures.

PT Pertamina Irak Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIREP) responded swiftly by activating its Emergency Response Team (ERT) after receiving information regarding military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.

The evacuation process for PIREP workers began with an overland journey from Basra to the border at Safwan and entry into Kuwait, continuing onward to Dammam, Saudi Arabia. All personnel then travelled by air from Dammam to Jeddah and subsequently to Indonesia. Some personnel arrived in Jakarta on 10 March 2026, with the remainder arriving on 11 March 2026.

Beyond ensuring worker safety, PIEP contacted the families of all PIREP workers to provide direct updates on their status and established a 24-hour hotline to ensure families received the necessary information and support.