Pink October: Pertamina Expands Free Mammography Services
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Early detection is an important way to improve the chances of recovery from breast cancer. However, access to convenient and comfortable screening remains a challenge for some women. To address this need, state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero) is providing free examinations for Indonesian women through a mobile mammography unit.
The initiative forms part of Pertamina’s commitment to mark World Breast Cancer Day on 19 October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, known as Pink October, throughout October. Working with the Indonesian Breast Cancer Foundation (YKPI) and Pertamedika IHC, Pertamina is seeking to widen access to early detection and raise women’s awareness of the importance of breast health.
Pertamina Vice President of Corporate Communication Muhammad Baron said the support reflected the company’s concern for women’s health. According to data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, 70% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer at an advanced stage, sharply reducing their chances of recovery. Early detection is therefore a priority for the company as it supports women’s health.
“Pertamina believes that early detection is an important step towards improving the chances of recovery from breast cancer. Through this mobile mammography unit, we want to help more women access screening that is convenient, comfortable and inclusive. We hope this initiative will also encourage women to take greater care of their health,” Baron said in a written statement, quoted on Tuesday (27 October 2026).
Pertamina previously handed over a mobile mammography unit to YKPI on 21 April 2026, coinciding with Kartini Day. The vehicle is equipped with X-ray screening technology and facilities accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. The service is expected to reach more women from diverse backgrounds.
The benefits of the service are beginning to emerge. From April to August 2026, the mobile unit screened 1,166 women at various locations in Jakarta. The examinations were provided free of charge through the PinkCheck programme, a collaboration between Pertamina, YKPI and Pertamedika IHC.
In addition to screening, PinkCheck includes education on breast self-examination (SADARI). In its initial phase, the programme aims to reach 1,000 women through examinations and awareness-raising on early breast cancer detection.
YKPI chairwoman Linda Agum Gumelar previously expressed her appreciation for Pertamina’s support. She said the mobile mammography unit helped women obtain screening that was more accessible and comfortable, and came at no cost.
The initiative also reinforces Pertamina’s efforts under its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme, which delivers direct benefits to the public. As well as providing facilities, Pertamina is promoting public awareness so that more women understand the importance of early breast cancer detection.
Taking advantage of Pink October, Pertamina is encouraging Indonesian women to pay closer attention to breast health by performing breast self-examinations (SADARI) and consulting health professionals if they notice changes or symptoms that need to be checked. SADARI can help women recognise changes in their breasts, but it does not replace medical examinations or screening recommended by health professionals.
“Pertamina wants to continue delivering tangible benefits to the public, including by supporting Indonesian women in gaining better access to healthcare. We hope that women undergoing treatment and breast cancer survivors alike will continue to receive support to live healthy, empowered and confident lives,” Baron concluded.