Channeling Energy for the Disabled, Come and Join Eco Run Pertamina
Jakarta, November 4, 2020 – Answering the growing interest of running in the Covid-19 pandemic era, PT Pertamina (Persero) encourages the public to independently run in their respective locations through the Pertamina Virtual Eco Run 2020. Simultaneously, channeling energy or donating to raise self-confidence and economy of Friends with Disabilities who care about the environment.
Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, said the eco run titled Pertamina Virtual Eco Run, Energy to Energize is in line with the 63rd-anniversary theme. Through this theme, Pertamina shows its commitment to bring positive energy for all, including the disabled, which are the most vulnerable groups affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Seen from the economic, health, and even social aspects, the friends with disabilities are facing a much harder challenge during the pandemic," she said.
According to Fajriyah, Pertamina Virtual Eco Run 2020 still encourages the spirit of environmental preservation as in previous years. However, this year, Pertamina encourages Friends with Disabillities to work in recycling waste to produce high-value products.
"This is in line with Pertamina's effort to constantly run business and operations while providing a high-quality fuel that is environmentally friendly," said Fajriyah.
Abah Dindin, Representative of Friends with Disabilities who Care for the Environment, Kumala Foundation, said that in 2017 the Kumala Foundation had trained 470 Friends with Disabilities spread across Serang, Sukabumi, Kuningan Bandung, Cirebon, and NTB. However, until now, only four groups or 53 people have received assistance because of limited help.
According to him, the assistance provided is in paper recycling business training, using almost free materials. They also collect banana stems, water hyacinth, and reeds to be processed into handicraft products. Besides producing, Friends with Disabilities are also taught to market through online, partners, and distributors in the Bogor, Bandung, and other areas.
"After receiving assistance, they are confident and able to create valuable products, and they can make money. Also, they can train and share with other friends; some even become coaches for normal school students," he said.
In line with that, Engkus, a member of the Kumala Foundation community, engaged in community empowerment, one of which is training for Friends with Disabilities, has participated in the waste management training program for groups with disabilities since 2018. There, he stated that there are still many friends with disabilities that must be accommodated.
"There was only one training venue in the past. Many friends had to walk far to come. If you use public transportation, the cost is expensive. Happy being able to hang out together, laugh, and be able to produce. The raw materials are all around, and the results can be sold or used as exhibitions in the studio," he said.
In addition to donations from Pertamina Virtual Eco Run participants to friends with disabilities under the guidance of the Kumala Foundation, Pertamina also allocated a donation of 1 billion to help empower other friends with disabilities who take shelter in 10 other foundations located in various places in Indonesia.
Fajriyah reminded Pertamina Virtual Eco Run registration had started from 2-17 November 2020 through the MyPertamina application and collected 63 points from Pertamina's products purchase, namely BBM Pertamax / Pertamax Turbo / Pertamina Dex.
Furthermore, participants can create an account for registration and submit their running results at www.pertaminaecorun.com. After that, participants register by filling in their data. They can enter the donation amount and entering the voucher code from the MyPertamina application. After making a donation payment, participants can take part in the challenge according to the specified distance and running period.
"Let's run with Pertamina Virtual Eco Run 2020, channel energy from the heart to help friends with disabilities so that they can get back up and be empowered," she concluded.