With Transition Energy, Pertamina Builds Resilience in Vulnerable Villages
Amid the dynamics of global oil prices and increasingly evident threats from climate change, hope is emerging from villages across Indonesia. Previously struggling villages are now beginning to thrive thanks to the introduction of renewable energy and the application of appropriate technology.
Even in areas previously affected by disasters due to climate change, communities are now more resilient in recovering. This is evident in Desa Padang Sakti, Muara Satu Subdistrict, Lhokseumawe, Aceh.
Pertamina’s Desa Energi Berdikari (DEB) programme brings renewable energy in the form of a 4.4 Kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar power plant (PLTS) with a 10 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, utilised for aerators and feed machines. As a result, this environmentally friendly energy can increase pond productivity by up to 40%, and add to residents’ income by Rp6-8 million per month.
Amid the villagers’ enthusiasm, the Sumatra and Aceh disaster in 2025 swept away shrimp and fish in the villagers’ ponds. Fortunately, the PLTS equipment remained operational, allowing the community to rebuild and reorganise their pond businesses.
“Post-flood, we lost everything. Thanks to Pertamina’s DEB programme support, we could rise again, restart our businesses, and live more independently,” said Muhrizal, a Local Hero in the Gampong Berdikari programme for vannamei shrimp cultivation in Desa Padang Sakti.
DEB provides economic value of up to Rp5.5 billion per year and can reduce emissions by up to 1.09 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
The significant benefits of DEB have earned Pertamina global recognition. Alongside 23 companies worldwide, including Aviva Plc, British Airways, CEMEX, General Motors, Lenovo, and Saudi Aramco, Pertamina received the international Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership (SEAL) Awards 2026 in the Environmental Initiative category.
Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Muhammad Baron, stated that this award is an appreciation for various tangible initiatives in the environmental and sustainability sectors that positively impact society. Pertamina is recognised for successfully delivering innovative solutions through new and renewable energy, bringing economic resilience and climate change adaptation to rural communities.
“This international appreciation is a collaboration from various parties, starting from the village communities who have become agents of change, as well as local governments and partners. It serves as motivation for Pertamina to continue delivering innovations with real impacts, especially in strengthening village resilience against global dynamics,” said Baron.
Pertamina has built 252 DEB sites across Indonesia. As many as 64% of DEB sites are located outside Java for equitable development. Additionally, 156 DEB sites produce 15.8 thousand tons of rice and 890.4 tons of non-rice food commodities, supporting national food security.
“Pertamina’s new renewable energy utilisation in DEB consists of solar panels, micro-hydro, biogas, and other renewable energies. We hope that with the utilisation of transition energy, village communities will not only have energy resilience but also drivers for economic activities,” said Baron.
Going forward, Pertamina is committed to expanding clean energy-based initiatives and community empowerment. The hope is that more villages in Indonesia will not only be able to face economic upheavals and climate change but also grow into centres of new energy and economic independence.
The utilisation of this new renewable energy also aligns with the government’s National General Energy Plan (RUEN) for the coming year. Pertamina is committed to promoting energy transition, not only as an energy source but also as an effort to reduce carbon emissions in Indonesia.