Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia Appreciates Elephant Conservation Assisted by Pertamina Hulu Rokan

Minas, March 28, 2022 - Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Mulyani, visited the Elephant Conservation Center assisted by PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) in Minas on Thursday (24/03). This activity is part of a series of programs from the Minister of Finance’s visit to the Rokan Working Area (WK).

The elephant conservation program is a social and environmental responsibility program of PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) in the form of elephants and human conflict mitigation management in collaboration with the Riau Province Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA).

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance Heru Pambudi, Director of Finance of PT Pertamina (Persero) Emma Sri Martini, Director of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Budiman Parhusip, President Director of PHR Jaffee A Suardin, and Head of Representative of SKK Migas Sumbagut Rikky Rahmat Firdaus were also present at the event.

The Elephant Conservation Program is a tangible manifestation of PHR's concern for environmental sustainability. Through the Agroforestry System introduction, PHR and the Rimba Satwa Foundation (RSF) facilitated training for the community to plant tree species that elephants do not like but still have economic value. Thus, they are not damaged by the passing of elephants, and potential conflicts between elephants and humans can also be avoided. Currently, there are 40 to 60 wild elephants in the enclaves of Giam Siak Kecil and Balai Raja.

On this occasion, a handover of assistance in the form of supporting equipment and repairs to public facilities at the Minas Elephant Training Center (PLG) from the President Director of PHR Jaffee A. Suardin, accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, to the Head of BBKSDA Riau Fifin Arfiana Jogasara were also carried out. There are 16 tame elephants under the supervision of PLG Minas.

Sri Mulyani appreciated the Elephant Conservation program and encouraged PHR to make continuous improvements. "Do not forget to maintain environmental aspects, social aspects, and encourage the progress of local businesses that care about empowerment."

President Director of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, Upstream Subholding, Budiman Parhusip, conveyed that the support and coordination of stakeholders is very important to maintain the sustainability of the company, "As a company that prioritizes ESG (environment, social, and governance) aspects, PHE is committed to carrying out activities social responsibility to support the acceleration of economic development in the Company's operational areas and preserve the environment," he stated.**