Journey in Search of Energy to the Sahara Desert

June 14, 2023 - Pertamina's efforts to meet the national energy resilience and expand its international oil and gas field expansion continue in order to become a world-class energy company.

During her visit to Algeria on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, Nicke Widyawati, the President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), had the opportunity to visit the oil and gas field operated by Pertamina in the Menzel Ledjmet Nord (MLN) Oil Field Algeria.

The journey to MLN, located in the Sahara Desert, is not easy, especially during the current summer season, when the air temperature reaches 44 degrees Celsius. From Algiers Airport in the capital of Algeria, it requires two flights with one aircraft change to complete a total flight time of 2.5 hours to arrive at MLN. Arriving at MLN, the journey continues with approximately a 15-minute car ride to reach the Pertamina-operated oil and gas field.

When meeting with the workers, Nicke expressed appreciation and gratitude for the dedication and hard work of all the workers far from their homeland to ensure national energy resilience.

"I am extremely proud to be here, to meet all of you. I express my utmost thanks and appreciation for all of your hard work and dedication," Nicke said in her greetings.

Meanwhile, the Manager of the MLN Field, Osa Kurniawan Ilham, appreciates the President Director of Pertamina’s attention, who could be present and support to all the workers in the MLN field.

"This is a rare moment. We thank her for the support and visit to the Sahara Desert. It will certainly give us motivation," he said.

Furthermore, Chalief Akbar Tjandraningrat, the Indonesian Ambassador to Algeria, who participated in the visit, stated that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Algiers, is committed to protecting all Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Algeria.

"In Algiers itself, we are committed to protecting Indonesian citizens, including Pertamina workers who work here, from various risks that threaten their safety, natural disasters, and other hazards," said Chalief.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**