Balikpapan - PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) has collaborated with the Circular Earth Steps Foundation/Yayasan Langkah Bumi Sirkular (YLBS) to launch a circular economy program named For Our Earth/Untuk Bumi Kita (UBUKI) Program at Senipah Field, Peciko, South Mahakam (SPS), East Kalimantan, on May 12th. This program manages used oil and gas workers' protective equipment, commonly known as coverall clothing, repurposing them into more economically valuable products such as shoes, pouches, or other items. This program is the first of its kind within the Pertamina Group and also the first of its kind in Indonesia.

PHM General Manager Setyo Sapto Edi stated, "The Company continues to drive various innovations in support of PT Pertamina (Persero)'s policies regarding emission reduction, environmental management, including waste, to provide significant and sustainable positive impacts for both society and the environment." He added, "The UBUKI initiative is also in line with the theme of International Earth Day 2024, which is 'Make Every Day Earth Day,' and the UBUKI philosophy, which is 'From Secondhand to Become Valuable.'"

The UBUKI Program idea stemmed from the issue of numerous piles of expired coverall clothing that were no longer suitable for use. The company innovated with proper management through the 3R approach (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy principles.

The program idea received a positive reception from YLBS as the implementing partner. Representing YLBS, Rowland Asfales explained that this tangible initiative is a joint commitment to providing new value to unused items. "We are enthusiastic about supporting this collaborative program to continue making even greater impacts and providing positive inspiration to the surrounding community and the general public," he said.

Meanwhile, PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) Environment Manager Kemas Adrian appreciated the implementation of this program. "This initiative is the first program within the Pertamina Group. Hopefully, PHM employees can continue to be initiators and pioneers in other sustainable programs," he hoped.

Currently, PT Pertamina is considering plans to develop the UBUKI program as part of community development or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in the environmental and economic fields. This would involve exploring cooperation with communities in operational areas and cooperatives that will become fostered partners.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) that operates upstream oil and gas operations by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the Mahakam Working Area in East Kalimantan. Through cooperation with SKK Migas, PHM, along with other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates, continues to innovate and apply technology to produce safe, efficient, reliable, compliant, and environmentally friendly energy to realize #KalimantanEnergyforIndonesia. More information about PHI is available at https://phi.pertamina.com.