PIEP Successfully Relocates Officers from Iraq and Dubai
PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) has successfully relocated 19 officers deployed in the Middle East as a measure to prioritise worker safety amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. The relocation involved 11 officers stationed in Basra, Iraq and 8 officers based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The evacuation process from Basra to Jakarta took approximately 14 days. This extended timeline resulted from the closure of several international airports in the region, including those in Kuwait City, Dubai, and Doha, necessitating adjustments to travel routes in accordance with security conditions and available transport options.
Awang Lazuardi, Director of Pertamina Upstream Energy (PHE), noted that geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East have affected the company’s operational activities. However, through effective coordination between PIEP, PHE, Pertamina, and support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Indonesian Embassies in various countries, the officers’ repatriation proceeded safely.
“The dynamic geopolitics naturally impact 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 were able to return home safely,” said Awang on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
PIEP Chief Executive Syamsu Yudha emphasised that officer safety remains the company’s paramount priority. PIEP rigorously implements Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) procedures and Business Continuity Plans (BCP) in coordinated fashion 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,” stated Syamsu Yudha. He added that the company has also assessed various evacuation routes as part of its contingency planning, ensuring that should further airspace closures occur, evacuation processes can be executed more rapidly.
Pertamina Iraq Exploration & Production (PIREP) responded swiftly by activating its Emergency Response Team (ERT) upon receiving information regarding attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. In addition to intensive monitoring, PIREP strengthened strategic communications with the Indonesian Embassies in Baghdad, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, as well as the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to track developments in the Middle East’s security situation.
During the evacuation, officers undertook an overland journey from Basra to the Safwan border before entering Kuwait. Travel continued to Dammam in Saudi Arabia, before all personnel proceeded by air from Dammam to Jeddah and subsequently returned to Indonesia.
Some personnel arrived in Jakarta on 10 March 2026, whilst others arrived the following day on 11 March 2026. The evacuation process, deemed swift and responsive, also received appreciation from Indonesian diaspora working in other oil and gas companies in the region.
Beyond ensuring personnel safety, PIEP actively contacted officers’ families to provide updates regarding their condition. The company also established a 24-hour hotline to ensure families received necessary support and information throughout the evacuation process.