Top! Pertamina Pushes for Greater Female Contribution in the Energy Industry

Pertamina is encouraging women to continue contributing to the energy industry. This was stated by Independent Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) Raden Adjeng Sondaryani in a talk show titled Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls, held during the Indonesian Petroleum Association Convention and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2026.

Known as Inge, she believes opportunities for women to build careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are now increasingly open. She explained that Pertamina continues to promote female involvement to contribute more to the energy sector, including in strategic company positions. She noted that today many women at Pertamina hold managerial roles from Vice President to Director.

“Pertamina is committed to continuing to increase the number of women so they can contribute more to the energy field, not only at the worker level but also at the managerial level,” she said on Friday (22 May 2026).

She recalled that challenges for women in the engineering sector today differ from the past. If women were once overlooked in engineering, their abilities are now increasingly recognised.

According to her, success in the energy industry is not determined by gender but by competence and professionalism. “I do not believe gender is a problem. So long as we have competence, a willingness to learn, ability and a good attitude, women can make a real contribution to this industry,” she said.

In addition to discussing women’s careers in the energy industry, Inge also revealed that female workers must have good time management to ensure responsibilities are balanced. Women bear responsibilities both as workers and as mothers. Time management is therefore important to keep family and work activities running optimally.

“I believe time is still 24 hours; it is all about time management. Preparations must always be made earlier so that all activities can be monitored well and not become too hectic,” she said.

Inge also observed rising interest among women in STEM. She cited that the number of female students in engineering and science degrees is now higher than when she studied.

“In the past perhaps women chose certain fields; now opportunities are more open. Becoming a field engineer nowadays does not have to be male; women also have equal opportunities. There is no difference in opportunity, salary and benefits are the same, as long as we have the same ability to finish the job well,” she explained.

Muhammad Baron, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Pertamina (Persero), added that Pertamina realises gender equality by implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This is supported by the Respectful Workplace policy to prevent discrimination.

“These policies open up as much space as possible for all Pertamina workers irrespective of gender, but on the basis of competence and capability. Everyone works together to support Pertamina’s duty to maintain national energy resilience,” he said.

“Pertamina also continues to open space for female workers to realise themselves through the Pertamina Women Who Are Strong, Inspiring, Dignified, and Independent (PERTIWI) community. This community was formed to catalyse gender equality and prepare female leadership cadres,” he concluded.