PIEP Relocates Staff from Iraq and UAE Amidst Conflict Escalation
Jakarta — PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) has relocated 11 executives working in Basra, Iraq and 8 personnel based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“The dynamic geopolitical situation naturally impacts our operations in Iraq. Alhamdulillah, thanks to excellent coordination from PIEP, Pertamina Upstream Energy (PHE), Pertamina and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian diplomatic missions in several countries, our colleagues were able to return home safely,” said Pertamina Upstream Energy (PHE) President Director Awang Lazuardi in a statement issued in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted that the evacuation process from Basra, Iraq to Jakarta required at least 14 days. The extended timeline was necessary due to closures of several international airports, including those in Kuwait City, Dubai and Doha.
PIEP President Director Syamsu Yudha emphasised that personnel safety is the company’s priority. PIEP has implemented all Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP) procedures in a disciplined and coordinated manner with Pertamina Holding, the Upstream Subholding, and relevant authorities.
“We are also continuously monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure optimal protection for all personnel,” said Syamsu. He confirmed that contingency plan assessments for evacuation routes were being conducted, so that any airspace closures would facilitate smoother future evacuation procedures.
Pertamina Iraq Exploration & Production (PIREP) moved swiftly by activating its Emergency Response Team immediately upon receiving information regarding attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. In addition to intensive monitoring, PIREP strengthened strategic communication and coordination with the Indonesian Embassy in Baghdad, the Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait City, the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry to monitor the situation and anticipate security developments in the Middle East region.
PIREP executives travelled overland from Basra, Iraq to the border at Safwan and entered Kuwait, continuing to Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, all personnel travelled by air from Dammam to Jeddah and then to Indonesia. Some personnel arrived in Jakarta on 10 March 2026, whilst the remainder arrived on 11 March 2026.
Beyond ensuring personnel safety, PIEP also contacted families of all PIREP executives to provide direct updates on their condition, whilst establishing a 24-hour hotline communication channel to ensure families received necessary information and support.