Pertamina Group Synergy Deploys Over 200 Personnel to Assist in Combating Forest and Land Fires (Karhutla)

South Sumatra, October 5, 2023 - Responding to the prolonged dry season and the land fires in several areas of South Sumatra, Pertamina Group has collaborated with various parties to help mitigate the forest and land fire disasters (Karhutla) in the region. They have deployed 206 certified Fireman personnel along with disaster relief equipment.

Vice President of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso, stated that addressing Karhutla is crucial to minimize its spread and other associated impacts, especially on public health and environmental sustainability. "South Sumatra is one of the areas monitored to have moderate to thick smoke. Therefore, we quickly and responsively assist in handling Karhutla in 44 fire points to prevent further spreading and additional impacts," Fadjar said.

Fadjar also added that this responsive action aligns with Pertamina Group's commitment to environmental conservation and prioritizing safety in all company operations.

Pertamina Group's synergy in assisting in Karhutla disasters in South Sumatra includes contributions from PT Pertamina Patra Niaga - Regional Sumbagsel, PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional - Refinery Unit III Plaju, PT Pertamina EP - Pendopo Field, PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan - Regional 1 Zone 4 Prabumulih, and PT Pertamina Gas Negara Tbk - Stasiun Pagardewa.

Pertamina's support includes providing light fire extinguishers, nozzles, and pumps. They have also deployed 39 fire trucks and two firefighting motorcycles.

Furthermore, Pertamina Patra Niaga Region Sumbagsel has donated 300 packages of food, drinks, and immune-boosting vitamins/supplements, as well as 100 pairs of goggles and masks for firefighters. The assistance was handed over directly at the Climate Change and Forest and Land Fire Control Center’s main post in the Sumatra region.

"We will promptly distribute this assistance to the Manggala Agni Team, who are currently at the forefront of combating forest and land fires," said Candra Irfansyah, Head of Section III Sumatra at the Climate Change and Forest and Land Fire Control Center in the Sumatra region.

Manggala Agni, meaning "Fire Commander," is a forest and land fire control brigade under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), tasked with controlling Karhutla, including prevention, extinguishing, and forest and land fires post-fire management.

Candra appreciates Pertamina's efforts in supporting the Manggala Agni team battling Karhutla in South Sumatra.

Area Manager of Communication, Relation, and CSR at Pertamina Regional Sumbagsel, Tjahyo Nikho Indrawan, stated that Pertamina is ready to assist in Karhutla management, as it is a shared priority to collaborate in facing this situation.

"The importance of synergy in dealing with the current emergency is crucial. We will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies, especially for the South Sumatra region. Together, we hope that the situation in the Karhutla areas will recover soon," Nikho expressed.

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.**