Pertamina Successfully Repatriates 19 Workers from Iraq and UAE to Indonesia

Jakarta — PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) has successfully repatriated 19 workers from overseas locations to Indonesia. The company relocated 11 workers, commonly referred to as “Perwira”, who were working in Basra, Iraq, and 8 workers stationed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The evacuation process from Basra to Jakarta required approximately 14 days, with the extended timeline necessitated by closures of several international airports, including those in Kuwait City, Dubai, and Doha.

Awang Lazuardi, Chief Executive Officer of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), stated: “The dynamic geopolitical situation has naturally impacted our operations in Iraq. Alhamdulillah, thanks to excellent coordination from PIEP, PHE, Pertamina and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian embassies in various countries, our colleagues have returned home safely.”

Syamsu Yudha, Chief Executive Officer of PIEP, emphasised that worker safety represents the company’s primary priority. PIEP 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.

“We continue to monitor the situation in real-time to ensure optimal protection for all personnel,” Yudha stated, adding that the company conducted contingency plan assessments for evacuation routes to facilitate future operations should airspace closures occur.

PT Pertamina Irak Eksplorasi & Produksi (PIREP) activated its Emergency Response Team immediately upon receiving information regarding attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. Beyond intensive monitoring, PIREP strengthened strategic communication and coordination with the Indonesian embassies in Baghdad, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, as well as the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to track the developing situation and anticipate security dynamics in the Middle Eastern region.

PIREP workers travelled overland from Basra to the border at Safwan, crossing into Kuwait, then proceeding to Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, all personnel travelled by air from Dammam to Jeddah before continuing to Indonesia. Some personnel arrived in Jakarta on 10 March 2026, with the remainder arriving on 11 March 2026.

The rapid and efficient evacuation process was appreciated by diaspora members working for other oil companies, demonstrating Pertamina’s commitment to worker safety. Beyond ensuring personnel safety, PIEP contacted families of all PIREP workers to provide direct updates on their condition and established a 24-hour hotline to ensure families received necessary information and support.

Pertamina’s Oil and Gas Operations in Iraq

PT Pertamina Irak Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIREP) was established to manage PT Pertamina (Persero) assets in 2013 and is located 50 kilometres north-west of Basra, Iraq. PIREP manages exploration and production operations under a Technical Service Contract (TSC) scheme in the West Qurna-1 Field (WQ-1) until 2045.

Since 2023, PIREP holds a 20% Participating Interest (PI) in West Qurna 1 (WQ-1) Block, one of the world’s super giant fields. The Technical Service Contract scheme at WQ-1, approved by the Iraqi Government, differs significantly from the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) applied by the Indonesian Government. Under TSC, oil and gas companies pay technical service fees (service contracts), whereas under PSC, companies bear risks and costs with returns based on production percentages.

The TSC scheme was adopted considering WQ-1’s operational development, heavily influenced by geopolitical factors affecting supply chains and conditions in the Middle Eastern region and Basra. Beyond PIREP, the Cooperation Contract Contractor (K3S) PetroChina serves as the primary contractor, previously ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, alongside Basra Oil Company, Itochu, and OEC as state partners.