PHR's Elephant Conservation Recognized Globally, Achieving Green World Environment Awards 2024 in Brazil

BRAZIL, March 28, 2024 — PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) Subholding Upstream Pertamina Sumatera Region has achieved remarkable success on the international stage. PHR's Sumatran Elephant Conservation Program has been honored with the prestigious Green World Environment Awards 2024 as the Global Winner in the Fuel, Power & Energy/Conservation & Wildlife Projects category.

PHR's global achievement stems from its Social and Environmental Responsibility Program (TJSL), which focuses on preserving elephant habitats and addressing human-wildlife conflicts.

It is tangible evidence of PHR's commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in protecting the critically endangered Sumatran elephants. PHR WK Rokan is one of the 25 companies receiving awards out of 500 competitors worldwide recognized for best environmental practices. The award was presented by the CEO of the Green Organization, Robert Wolen, and given to the Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of PHR WK Rokan, Pinto Budi Bowo Laksono, in Sao Paolo, Brazil, on Monday (03/25).

"We are grateful for this achievement; the Green World Environment Awards received by PHR can motivate us to contribute even better to environmental conservation in the areas where PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan operates," Pinto said.

PHR achieved this world-class award through its elephant conservation program in Riau Province. Together with its partners, the Rimba Satwa Foundation (RSF) and the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), PHR has deployed 5 GPS collars for elephant groups in the wild. PHR's monitoring efforts can track elephant movements in real-time through the GPS collars worn by the elephants.

In addition to GPS collars, PHR donated 18 surveillance cameras (camera traps) placed in several strategic locations within elephant habitats. The GPS collars attached to the elephants' necks monitor the herd movements via satellite and provide data on elephant group locations. Therefore, potential conflicts between elephants and humans can be mitigated earlier. Meanwhile, surveillance cameras are installed at various points in elephant crossing areas to provide visual information.

The Green World Environment Awards 2024 is given to companies and organizations worldwide that care for the environment through creative initiatives and significant contributions to environmental conservation. PHR is the only Indonesian company to receive this award.

This success is a testament to PHR's commitment to preserving the environment, especially in protecting the Sumatran Elephant population in its habitat. This conservation program is expected to continue to impact positively on the habitat and survival of Sumatran Elephants.

"Our efforts essentially aim to inspire and encourage community participation in sharing space with these protected animals," Pinto said.

Since 2011, Sumatran elephants have been listed as critically endangered by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with their population declining by more than 80 percent over the last 75 years.

The decline in Sumatran elephant populations is mainly due to habitat loss, forest degradation, habitat fragmentation, and hunting. PHR has implemented various collaborative programs to preserve nature. These include agroforestry programs that aim to support community food security, restore forest functions as wildlife habitats, and reduce conflicts between elephants and humans in the Balai Raja - Giam Siak Kecil corridor landscape in Riau Province.

"This is what drives PHR to continue its efforts to preserve the habitat of these jungle giants. Hopefully, our future generations will still be able to see these protected animals," he explained.

On another occasion, Vice President of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, stated that Pertamina encourages all its subsidiaries to develop Social and Environmental Responsibility Programs (TJSL) that are necessary for communities in their operational areas, including protecting flora and fauna habitats.

"Pertamina is present and operates in every region not only to explore energy resources but also to ensure environmental sustainability," emphasized Fadjar.

The 2024 Green World Environment Awards by The Green Organization is an international, independent, nonprofit organization unaffiliated with any political group. This award has been held since 1994. This institution is dedicated to recognizing, awarding, and promoting various best environmental management practices worldwide.

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, and Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**