Pertamina's Largest Project in History, RDMP Balikpapan Progress Reaches 82%

Jakarta, September 27, 2023 – The Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) in Balikpapan has become Pertamina's largest project in its history, with the current progress at 82%.

RDMP Balikpapan involves a total 5,203 equipment pieces with a combined weight of 110,000 tons. The heaviest equipment is located in the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) First Regenerator, weighing 1,099 tons. Meanwhile, the tallest piece of equipment is the Propane/Propylene unit, reaching a height of approximately 110 meters.

RDMP Balikpapan will increase Pertamina's refinery processing capacity by 100,000 barrels per day, thus reducing petroleum product imports.

Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), stated that RDMP Balikpapan is a national strategic project aims to achieve national energy resilience and self-sufficiency.

"We are pushing for this National Strategic Project to meet its targets. I am delighted and proud that, despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, this project has achieved 82% of its target," said Kartika Wirjoatmodjo during a working visit to the Pertamina Balikpapan Refinery Office in East Kalimantan on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Nicke Widyawati, President Director of Pertamina, mentioned that the RDMP Balikpapan project faced a high difficulty level because the existing refinery had to continue operating simultaneously.

"We must ensure that the project continues to operate with high safety and reliability," Nicke Widyawati said while accompanying Deputy Minister of SOE Kartika Wirjoatmojo on Wednesday, September 27.

Nicke explained that the project is divided into two phases: first, increasing capacity, and second, improving quality and expanding petrochemical and LPG product lines.

"With this additional capacity, it will automatically reduce petroleum product imports by 100,000 barrels per day, which will significantly impact Indonesia's Current Account Deficit," added Nicke.

Nicke also noted that the quality of products produced by RDMP Balikpapan would be raised from Euro2 standards to Euro5, making them more environmentally friendly in line with the standards set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK).

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.