PTK Continues Coastal Clean Up Programme, Educates Students on Protecting Tangkoko Beach
PT Pertamina Trans Kontinental (PTK) has continued its Coastal Clean Up programme, now in its third year, by holding a beach clean-up and environmental education session for primary school pupils at Tangkoko Beach in Bitung, North Sulawesi. Through the programme, PTK aims to instil early awareness of the importance of preserving coastal areas as part of the sustainability of marine ecosystems and maritime economic activity.
Acting President Director of PT Pertamina Trans Continential Eko Cahyadi said this year’s activities focused not only on picking up litter but also on building understanding among the younger generation so that concern for the environment continues.
“Our activity may only last one day, perhaps half a day. But how do we ensure it is sustainable? What matters is educating and teaching the next generation the importance of protecting the sea and the coast. We want this to be more than ceremonial — it must raise public awareness,” Eko said at Tangkoko Beach, Bitung, on Friday (18/7/2026).
He said PTK, which operates in the maritime services sector, has a responsibility to protect the sea because the sustainability of its operations depends on the condition of coastal ecosystems.
“As a company that has grown together with the sea, we believe the sustainability of our business depends heavily on the ocean. That is why preserving coastal areas is also our responsibility,” he said.
PTK’s Coastal Clean Up programme has been running since 2023, targeting several coastal areas across Indonesia. In 2023, the activity was held in Tanjungmas subdistrict, Semarang, involving around 1,800 participants and collecting nearly four tonnes of waste, an action estimated to have contributed to an emissions reduction of about 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). The programme continued in Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta, in 2024, collecting 28 tonnes of waste, and at Teluk Penyu Beach in Cilacap in 2025, involving more than 1,172 participants.
Cumulatively, from 2023 to 2025 the programme has collected 37.82 tonnes of waste with the participation of more than 3,972 people. PTK estimates the action has contributed to an emissions reduction of 31.4 tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to the amount of household waste produced by 68 families in one year.
Eko said Tangkoko Beach was chosen because it forms part of the Coral Triangle, which has high marine biodiversity and lies near the operational area of the Bitung Integrated Terminal. Besides being a conservation area with habitats for endemic species such as tarsiers and yaki (Sulawesi crested macaques), the area is also considered to have great potential as a tourist destination.
“We see this beach as very beautiful and with the potential to become a tourism area. That is why the coastal environment must be protected so the economic benefits can also be felt by the community,” he said.
In addition to the beach clean-up, PTK provided environmental education to primary school pupils and distributed school supply kits to support learning at the start of the new academic year. The programme involved Pertamina Patra Niaga, KSOP Bitung, the Bitung City Environment Office, the Sea Soldiers community, local government and surrounding residents.
Head of Administration at KSOP I Bitung, Mukminin, said the activity was in line with Law Number 17 of 2008 on Shipping, particularly regarding the protection of the marine environment and pollution prevention.
“We hope this activity delivers maximum benefit, because protecting the marine environment is closely linked to the sustainability of marine ecosystems and human life,” he said.
PTK has confirmed that the social and environmental responsibility (TJSL) programme will continue in various coastal areas across Indonesia. The company hopes that educating the younger generation and collaborating with a range of stakeholders will strengthen efforts to preserve coastal areas while supporting the sustainability of the maritime economy.