Click the icon to add a specified price to your Dashboard list. This makes it easy to keep track on the prices that matter most to you.
Empowering communities around refineries is one of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga's main focuses in running its business. This commitment is also being implemented in Balongan, Indramayu Regency, West Java. There, the Balongan Refinery is strengthening social inclusion for the surrounding community through the Social and Environmental Responsibility program BERBISIK.
"Although its name may sound soft and quiet, BERBISIK actually carries a loud message about equality, economic independence and environmental innovation," said Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary, Roberth MV Dumatubun.
As a continuation of the Gagak Winangsih 2024 program, BERBISIK presents a more mature concept, transforming it from a Collaboration Hub to an Inclusive Pathway. This cross-sector collaboration platform is designed to serve as a meeting point for all levels of society, ultimately leading to one overarching goal: an inclusive pathway with a sustainable direction and purpose.
This initiative emerged to address economic, social, and environmental issues in Indramayu, particularly in Balongan Village, Lemahmekar Subdistrict, and Karangmalang Subdistrict, which are located not far from the Balongan Refinery. According to Roberth, the social problems there include limited access to education and decent employment for deaf and disabled people, as well as waste and environmental issues.
The BERBISIK program begins with basic skills development. This stage builds self-confidence and fundamental skills for both disabled and non-disabled individuals. The next stage guides participants through professional development, entrepreneurship, and government policy advocacy.
"This way, the community not only receives temporary benefits, but also has the opportunity to grow sustainably," said Roberth.
The BERBISIK program is not simply social assistance or charitable aid, but a participatory, transformative, integrated, and sustainable process. Roberth emphasized that in this program, disabled and non-disabled community groups are positioned as subjects of development, not objects. They are given access to productive resources, capacity building, and recognition for their active role in social and economic development.
As a result, sub-programs such as the Wiralodra Waste Bank were born to address waste and environmental issues in Balongan Village. This waste bank is also located at the Class II-B Indramayu Penitentiary and is managed by inmates. Furthermore, there is the Special Friends Coffee Shop, run by deaf inmates. This place provides a platform for them to express themselves and build their confidence, capacity, and skills, enabling them to become socially and economically empowered. It is also the first inclusive space in Indramayu.
As a result, the BERBISIK program has had a significant impact in various aspects. Roberth explained that, socially, the program has empowered vulnerable groups. These include 155 people with disabilities, 11 low-income residents, 32 women, the elderly, children with social and economic disadvantages, and 55 inmates at the Class IIB Indramayu Prison.
"Overall, the BERBISIK program has successfully had a positive impact on more than 10,000 indirect beneficiaries in the Indramayu Regency area," added Roberth.
Environmentally, BERBISIK has successfully processed up to 1.8 tons of organic waste per year. This effort has resulted in a reduction of carbon emissions of 223,228.8 kg of CO2 equivalent per year, from both plastic and organic waste. Furthermore, the program has also successfully processed up to 240 liters of used cooking oil per year.
From an economic perspective, the BERBISIK program has achieved remarkable success. Sales of products processed through the program's plastic waste solidification generate over Rp 270 million in annual revenue. The Teman Istimewa Coffee Shop and creative workshops generate over Rp 220 million in annual revenue. Meanwhile, inmates earn Rp 74 million in annual income.
The BERBISIK program is also a form of Pertamina Patra Niaga's support for the Sustainable Development Goals launched by the UN, especially points related to poverty alleviation, gender equality, decent work and economic growth to actions to address climate change.
The BERBISIK program is also a social innovation program that successfully led the Balongan Refinery to achieve the Gold Proper in 2025. This gold Proper is the 8th gold Proper.
"The innovation and collaboration carried out by Pertamina Patra Niaga in the BERBISIK program has fostered equality and economic independence for the residents of Balongan Village. People who previously faced uncertainty are now smiling broadly and looking optimistically to the future. We hope this program won't stop in Balongan but will inspire other areas," Roberth concluded.
Note: This story has not been edited by The Polymerupdate Editorial team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.
