Pertamina Preserves Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphins to Achieve SDGs through Endemic Conservation Program

Jakarta, September 8, 2023 – PT Pertamina (Persero) remains committed to environmental conservation and biodiversity through the Endemic Conservation Program (KOMIK) for Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphins in Pela Village, Kota Bangun, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. Conducted in collaboration with the Pela Tourism Village Development Program, this initiative not only supports Pertamina's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts but also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

"We appreciate the government's support and the community's awareness of preserving the Irrawaddy dolphins. The Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphin is one of Indonesia's rare species and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Through this conservation effort, we aim to safeguard environmental sustainability and national fauna diversity," stated the VP of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso.

The Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella Brevirostris) is an endemic species of the Mahakam River protected by law. In 2020, this species was classified as critically endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List.

Fadjar explained that in addition to dolphin conservation, Pertamina, through PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM), empowers local communities to promote local economic growth through community-based tourism activities. One such initiative involves collaborating with the Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) community to establish a fishermen's museum for tourist education, installing informative signs in conservation areas, and ensuring that tourist boats do not disrupt the Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphins. Pela Village has also issued Village Regulation (Peraturan Desa/Perdes) No. 2 of 2018 regarding the Prohibition of Environmentally Unfriendly Fishing Gear.

Another effort involves "acoustic pinger" innovation utilization attached to fishing nets. This pinger emits sonar frequencies that deter Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphins from approaching fishing nets. The acoustic pingers implementation has successfully reduced the number of dolphins getting caught in fishing nets.

According to data gathered by the Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia (Yayasan Konservasi RASI), entanglement in fishing nets is one of the leading causes of Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphin fatalities. The acoustic pinger innovation, using sound resonance modification, helps keep the dolphins away from these nets.

"Dolphin deaths due to accidental net entanglement account for 70% of all fatalities. Using a device that can even slightly deter dolphins from fishing nets would be immensely helpful," explained Danielle Kreb PhD, an activist from the Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Foundation.

The Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphin program has received recognition, including international acclaim through The Annual 15th Global CSR & ESG Award 2023 and being shortlisted for the Biodiversity Award Champion at the Responsible Business Award by Reuters. Meanwhile, Pela Village has become one of Indonesia's representatives in the United Nations World Tourism Organization - Best Tourism Villages (UNWTO - BTV) competition. In 2022, Pela Village won the national 3rd place award in the Institutional category at the Indonesia Tourism Village Awards 2022 by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf).

To date, Pertamina has successfully preserved approximately 800,000 species through the Pertamina Fauna Conservation Program. Pertamina remains committed in contributing to environmental preservation and invites all stakeholders to join in preserving biodiversity and the environment in Indonesia.

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.**