Go Global, The Story of Pertamina International EP Officers in Iraq Operation Area

December 10, 2021 - Pertamina Internasional Explorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) as the International Subholding Upstream has several operating areas abroad, one of which is Iraq. PIEP, through its subsidiary Pertamina Irak Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIREP), also carries out the mandate to maintain national energy security.

Abdul Azis, one of the PIEP officers, shared his experience as a Secondee in Iraq. Having five years previous experience in Algeria, Azis serves as Maintenance Planning Section Head at West Qurna (WQ) 1 Field Operation Division (FOD).

Of course, working abroad has its uniqueness. "Before we leave for Iraq for the first assignment, we are required to complete 14 vaccines first and proceed with screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Malaria every three months. These workers are ensured to be in a fit to work condition for the 'Pre-travel Health Assessment' (PTHA) before their assignment abroad 14 days before departure," said Azis.

Working time in overseas operating areas during the pandemic also has five weeks adjustment for work and five weeks to return to the homeland. The journey to get to WQ 1 FOD was taken by fellow workers with the Jakarta - Dubai - Basrah flight route and continued by a road trip with a very high level of security protection for one and a half hours.

11 PIEP officers are assigned to WQ 1 FOD assets with a rotation system. This asset also has nearly 400 wells, with around 142 wells producing. John Anis, President Director of PIEP, added, "When PIEP officers worked in overseas operations, other countries had doubts about our performance at first, but currently Pertamina is highly trusted by stakeholders to handle maintenance operations,"

Being in a foreign operation area with a high level of diversity, PIEP officers can adapt to colleagues from different countries. It is supported by the core values ​​of AKHLAK applied by the Secondees. "Wherever PIEP Officers are, we believe they can carry out their duties well, supported by the application of high HSSE standards and also morals in their daily lives," explained PIEP Relations Manager, Khairul Saleh.**