Press Council Appreciates Pertamina Giving Free PCR Swab Test for 105 Media People  

Jakarta, October 24, 2020 - By cooperating with the Press Council, Pertamina provides free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab testing services to 105 media people. The test was carried out by the medical team from Pertamina Pusat Hospital (RSPP), which was centered in the Hall of the Press Council Building in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, Friday (23/10).

Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fajriyah Usman, said that the free PCR Swab test was Pertamina's commitment to safeguard and protect media personnel who had to continue working in the field to convey the information needed by the public.

"Media personnel is at the forefront of delivering accurate and balanced information to the public, both regarding Pertamina's business developments and the latest news about Covid-19 itself, so they must receive maximum protection," explained Fajriyah.

"Pertamina," continued Fajriyah, "has assisted the handling of the Covid-19, both for medical personnel, journalists, Pertamina's customers, and the general public".

"Various CSR programs and Pertamina's environmental development in helping the handling of Covid-19 have been well conveyed to the public thanks to the help and cooperation of media people, both print, online, and electronically. This activity also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals/SDGs Goal 3 Ensure a Healthy Life and Improve the Welfare of All People of All Ages," added Fajriyah.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Inter-Agency and International Relations Commission of the Press Council, Agus Sudibyo, said that in the current pandemic conditions, the demands for the journalist profession are increasingly felt along with the increasing public need for accurate and useful information. Thus journalists, especially those carrying out coverage tasks in the field, in its development have also become one with the highest risk of being exposed to COVID-19.

"The Press Council appreciates the concern of PT Pertamina (Persero) and Pertamina Pusat Hospital (RSPP), which have supported the implementation of the PCR swab test for media people. Hopefully, in the future, there will be more companies willing to support this kind of activity," said Agus.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, preventive efforts are no less critical by screening people at risk of contracting COVID-19, such as media workers.

As a subsidiary of Pertamina, which is engaged in the health sector, RSPP has prepared a PCR examination facility for diagnostics as well as a Special Treatment facility for COVID-19 patients at RSPP Extension Simprug, South Jakarta.**