Pertamina's Anniversary Gift for the Community: Expanding the Independent Energy Village Program
Jakarta, December 11, 2024 – In celebration of its 67th anniversary, PT Pertamina (Persero) continues strengthening its role to support the transition to clean energy and energy self-sufficiency through Desa Energi Berdikari (DEB/Energy-Independent Villages) Program development. As of December 2024, 149 DEBs are operational, with 64 new villages added in 2024 across various regions in Indonesia.
Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, stated that the DEB Program provides communities with access to clean energy by utilizing renewable resources such as solar, wind, micro-hydro, and biogas. These villages now harness renewable energy to support various productive activities, including livestock processing, local crafts production, and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Besides providing energy, this program also aims to support productive community activities, particularly to boost the local economy. For example, agriculture and food processing with affordable clean energy, allowing villages to develop facilities for post-harvest processing and irrigation systems,” Fadjar explained.
One example is the recently operational DEB in Junti Village, Indramayu Regency, which has improved water irrigation access through a Solar Power Plant (PLTS). The 7.7 kWp solar energy system provides clean electricity for agricultural water pumps. As a result, 60 farmers and 180 poor farm laborers, who previously harvested rice once a year, are now harvesting twice annually and introducing new crops like secondary commodities. It has boosted economic outcomes, with farmers earning approximately IDR 3.84 billion annually.
The subdistrict head of Juntinyuat, Rusyad Nurdin, also expressed his appreciation for the program, “We are working hand-in-hand with Pertamina Gas to achieve food self-sufficiency and increase farmers’ yields. We hope this program will continue sustainably and have an even broader impact,” he said.
In addition to DEB, Pertamina is committed to promoting energy transition and renewable energy utilization among younger generations through the Sekolah Energi Berdikari (Energy-Independent School/SEB) program. This initiative integrates renewable energy facilities, specialized curricula, and practical training into Adiwiyata schools near Pertamina’s operational areas to enhance clean energy literacy among students and teachers. To date, there are 11 SEBs, with 12 more set to become operational.
Principal of SMA Negeri 8 Denpasar, as one of the SEBs, I Wayan Sucipta, expressed gratitude for Pertamina’s presence at the school and its efforts to educate students and teachers about energy transition and clean energy use.
“This initiative has been enlightening for us, opening our minds. This earth belongs to us today and to our future generations tomorrow. If we do not care for it now with full awareness, it will become a problem later,” he remarked.
On its 67th anniversary, Pertamina reaffirms its commitment to expanding these programs to ensure the clean energy benefits reach more Indonesian communities. This initiative is part of Pertamina’s vision to be a pioneer in clean energy transition and a strategic partner in building energy self-sufficiency.
These efforts align with the government’s target of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060. Besides contributing to carbon emission reduction, the development of clean energy at the village level supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and climate action.
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.**