Pertamina Promotes Circular Economy Through Waste and Residue Management
PT Pertamina (Persero), through 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).
Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niability, 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 presenting innovations capable of addressing environmental challenges while 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,” Roberth said in a press release on Monday.
One such effort is realised through the Community Involvement and Development (CID) Pelita (Integrated Environmental Management) Borneo 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 using 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 help reduce household waste while opening economic opportunities for the community by utilising previously valueless materials.
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 administrative transparency through a digital system. Beyond collection, the accumulated inorganic waste is processed into various economically valuable products through 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) workshops, such as plaques, fans, tables, keychains, and plastic brooms.
The Pesanggrahan Climate Village (Proklim) programme has demonstrated a tangible impact on the environment and community. Records show a reduction of 16,000 kilograms of organic waste and 1,380 kilograms of inorganic waste. 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 over 3,000 people in the surrounding Pesanggrahan area.
Kurnia Fidia Wati, a key figure in the Pesanggrahan Proklim, noted that the programme’s success is inseparable from the collaboration between the community and Pertamina Patra Niaga in building a sustainable waste management culture. 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, aligning with the company’s commitment to creating shared value and supporting sustainable development in Indonesia.