Rapid Response to West Sumatra Disaster: Pertamina Dumai Refinery Delivers Aid

Dumai, June 8, 2024 – As part of the rapid response to the natural disaster affecting the people of West Sumatra, PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (PT KPI) Unit Dumai, through its Task Force (Satgas) team, has provided cash aid and essential logistics to evacuees in Tanah Datar Regency and Agam Regency.

The disaster, which began in May 2024, was caused by the eruption of Mount Marapi and high rainfall intensity, resulting in material and non-material losses, including casualties.

Agustiawan, Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR of PT KPI Unit Dumai, said that the aid provided to disaster victims was distributed to the Disaster Management Post through the local Regional Government (Pemda).

"This demonstrates our commitment and concern for our brothers and sisters in West Sumatra. PT KPI Unit Dumai is here for the community, and this is also part of the company's Environmental Social Responsibility (TJSL) program," he explained.

The distribution of aid was coordinated in advance with the local government regarding urgent needs required by the victims during the disaster emergency response period.

In collaboration with SP-KMPT, SP-PHR (Pertamina Hulu Rokan), PATRAPALA, PWP (Persatuan Wanita Patra), AOC (Agent of Change), Koperasi Pekerja Puteri Tujuh, and Bazma (Baituzzakah Pertamina), PT KPI Unit Dumai successfully raised donations amounting to IDR 242,342,119.

The aid was distributed to two different locations. The first distribution was delivered to the post at the Tanah Datar Regent's Official Residence, Baringin, Lima Kaum District, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, including cash and logistics, on Tuesday (6/4).

"We distributed IDR 70 million in cash and various necessities for the evacuees, such as basic food supplies, sanitation equipment, medicines, vitamins, and baby needs like diapers," added Agustiawan.

The aid in Tanah Datar Regency was received by the Regent of Tanah Datar, represented by the Head of the Communication and Informatics Office of Tanah Datar, Yusrizal, at the Indojolito Building.

"On behalf of the local government and the community, we express our heartfelt thanks for the assistance. This aid is undoubtedly meaningful for the people of Tanah Datar Regency," Yusrizal said.

Meanwhile, the second distribution, amounting to IDR 100 million in cash, for the people of Agam Regency was delivered to the evacuation site at the Sungai Pua District Office, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, on Wednesday (6/5).

"The aid is intended for the repair of affected infrastructure and facilities. It follows our coordination results with the Agam Regency Government," Agustiawan explained.

The aid was received directly by the Disaster Post Duty Officer, Head of Bappeda Rahmad Lasmono, and Head of DPMN Handria Asmi at the Sungai Pua District Office.

"We highly appreciate the assistance provided by PT KPI Unit Dumai and its partners. This aid greatly helps alleviate the burden on the victims, and we will distribute it as quickly as possible to those in need," Rahmad Lasmono said.

According to the Agam Regency Communication and Informatics Office, as of June 7, 2024, there were 24 fatalities, two individuals receiving treatment, 22 injured, and 704 people evacuated to shelters.

Moreover, the disaster in Agam Regency damaged 345.27 hectares of farmland and numerous homes, ranging from minor to severe damage. Public infrastructure and facilities, such as bridges, schools, places of worship, and health facilities, also suffered damage.

Agustiawan hopes that the aid from Pertamina Dumai Refinery can help ease the burden on the disaster-affected communities.

"We hope this aid benefits and alleviates the burden on Tanah Datar and Agam Regencies. We also pray that this disaster will soon pass, and the people can recover and stay healthy," he explained.

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, VP of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, stated that Pertamina and all its units continue to strive to provide rapid response aid to disaster-affected areas, this time for West Sumatra.

"This aid is Pertamina's concern for the affected communities. We hope it can ease the burden on the victims and their families," Fadjar said.

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.**