Proud of Pertamina for Building National Independence, Erick Thohir Appreciates Pertamina's Innovation Event

Jakarta, April 8, 2021 – The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) appreciates the Annual Pertamina Quality (APQ) Award 2021 program that rewards Pertamina Group employees who have produced innovative works and created value creation worth IDR 33.36 Trillion.

The annual event, which includes the Pertamina Innovation Forum through the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) and Digital Expo activities, occurs virtually on April 5 - 8, 2021. The 2021 APQ Awards is attended by 130 of the best innovations from 3062 innovations produced by all Pertamina business units and entities.

Erick Thohir said that implementing the 2021 APQ Award is following the five priorities of SOE, namely economic and social values for society, business model innovation, technology leadership, increased investment, and talent development. It is also in line with the President Joko Widodo direction that Indonesia needs many innovators from various sectors, namely food, energy, and health in business capital management and digital-preneur.

"I invite innovators to contribute to the progress of this nation and country that we love. Contribute to humanity and a better life. We must be proud of Indonesian products, which are the result of innovations from the nation's children," said Erick during the closing of the APQ Award Pertamina 2021 event.

According to Erick, innovative work from SOE workers, including Pertamina, is needed to build the nation's independence and excellence without depending on products made by other nations. He hopes that these innovators' work will not stop at being limited to prototypes but can continue towards commercial investment to win the global competition.

"Hopefully, Pertamina can realize its aspirations as Global Energy Champion in 2024 with a market value of USD 100 Billion," he said.

On the same occasion, HR Director of Pertamina, Erry Sugiharto, said that APQ 2021 and the Digital Expo were Pertamina's successes in producing its intellectual property recognition innovations. It also builds a conducive ecosystem by collaborating between stakeholders and facilitating cooperation between Pertamina, industry, government, and society.

"We are proud and support the implementation of innovation at Pertamina as a solution to the nation's problems and the mainstream of Indonesia's economic transformation movement towards the 2045 vision," concluded Erry.**