Pertamina Geothermal Energy Kamojang Area Quickly Respond to Help Extinguish Forest Fire on Mount Guntur

Garut, August 23, 2024 - PT Pertamina Geothermal Tbk. (PGE) Kamojang Area responded to a request for assistance from the Head of Section V of the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) to extinguish a forest fire on Mount Guntur, West Java, on August 21, 2024. PGE dispatched a Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) team that successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further.

This successful firefighting effort was the result of strong cooperation between PGE Kamojang Area, BBKSDA, and various other parties, including volunteers, firefighters, and the local community. This solidarity highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling natural disasters.

The General Manager of PGE Kamojang Area, Rahmad Harahap, stated, "PGE is always ready to provide full support for disaster management and environmental protection efforts. This firefighting action is one of our commitments to preserving the ecosystem around our operational areas. PGE consistently upholds its responsibility as a clean energy producer while guarding the environment in the areas where we operate," Rahmad said.

The team deployed by PGE has extensive experience in fighting forest fires, including a successful operation at Mount Papandayan in 2023. The HSSE team consisted of four personnel: Asep MD (Head of Security), Devi BNS (Non-Physical Security), Isep Saepudin (Security Team 4), and Hardi Wibowo (Security Team 4). The team was strengthened by the assistance of a survivor from the HPA Surpapala Nature Lovers Community, Hendro Gunawan, who played a crucial role in overcoming the extreme terrain of Mount Guntur.

Together with the BBKSDA team and forest rangers, PGE conducted intensive mapping and firefighting efforts at several hotspots spread across a corridor approximately 1,200 meters long. The fire that ravaged the conservation area on Mount Guntur, including the Cigenjreng Block, Guntur Peak, Sangiang Buruan, and the Third Climbing Post, is estimated to have burned around 200 hectares. The burned vegetation included pine trees, cantigi, kaliandra, and various types of shrubs and undergrowth.

Faced with extreme terrain and limited water sources, the PGE team used wooden branches to extinguish the fire stretching along the 1,200-meter corridor with three main hotspots, as the use of heavy equipment such as jet shooters and mobile water pumps was not feasible in these conditions. The firefighting process took place from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time. After ensuring there were no remaining active hotspots, the PGE team returned to Kamojang via the Cipanas route in Garut at 10:30 PM.

Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, stated that the Pertamina Group strives to contribute to disaster management efforts in Indonesia as the company's concern for environmental sustainability.

"Pertamina Peduli contributes by implementing various emergency response programs in every disaster as a commitment of Pertamina's presence for the nation," Fadjar said.

In the coming weeks, PGE Kamojang Area will continue to monitor the post-fire conditions and participate in supporting environmental recovery efforts.

PGE's support for environmental conservation extends beyond firefighting, manifested through various sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the Kamojang Area. PGE continues to strive to improve the welfare of the surrounding community through sustainable programs, including environmental preservation and community empowerment.

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.**