Enhancing Community Competence, Pertamina and KESDM Certify Local Heroes of Independent Energy Villages

Jakarta, December 31, 2024 – As part of its commitment to supporting the energy transition and clean energy development towards the Net Zero Emission 2060 target, PT Pertamina (Persero) organized certification in the electricity sector for its fostered community members known as Local Heroes. Local Heroes are individuals from Pertamina’s fostered communities who receive training and mentorship through the Independent Energy Village (DEB) program to enhance their renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency capacity in their regions.

The Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, emphasized the importance of this training. "The solar power plants (PLTS) maintenance is often neglected after their construction, making it essential to provide training to create skilled personnel capable of operating and maintaining them to prevent damage or abandonment," he explained.

The certification aims to improve Local Heroes' technical competencies in electricity regulations, installation, and maintenance. Participants are expected to apply safe, efficient, and professional practices in electrical installation maintenance according to applicable standards.

Additionally, the certification provides official recognition as technical personnel in the electricity field, enabling participants to compete professionally. Within the DEB program, this certification represents a strategic step to ensure the sustainability of the operation and maintenance of PLTS in various fostered areas.

This Pertamina certification program was attended by 22 Local Heroes from 12 provinces across Indonesia, representing six Pertamina sub-holdings. Over three days, from December 18 to 20, 2024, participants underwent intensive training covering electrical regulations, installation techniques, and hands-on maintenance practice. To validate their competencies, participants completed a series of exams, including written, practical, and oral tests following national standards.

The Manager of CSR of Pertamina, Dian Hapsari Firasati, added that the DEB program is designed to ensure clean energy aligns with community economic efforts, thereby maintaining its sustainability.  

"Our focus is on agriculture, fisheries, and waste management, ensuring that clean energy directly benefits the community," she stated.

Jamaludin, one of the certification participants from Cilacap Regency, Central Java, shared the significant benefits he gained from the program. "This certification program has helped solidify the management of the PLTS in Bondan Hamlet. With the knowledge and skills I have acquired, I hope this PLTS can continue operating and benefiting the community in the future," he said.

Another participant, Suminah, a female Local Hero, expressed her gratitude. "Through the DEB program, Pertamina has provided access not only to men but also to women, particularly in Tanjung Sari Village, Jambi City, empowering us to develop entrepreneurial skills based on renewable energy. After this training and certification, I can teach others in the community to manage the renewable energy facilities provided," she remarked.

With the certification of these Local Heroes, Pertamina is optimistic that renewable energy management can be efficient, professional, and sustainable. This program also supports Pertamina’s vision of contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The DEB program is a Pertamina initiative aimed at creating energy self-sufficiency based on local resources. To date, the program has involved various communities across Indonesia in managing and utilizing renewable energy resources, such as solar power plants (PLTS), to meet local energy needs sustainably.

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.**