Synergizing with ITB and Pupuk Kujang, Pertamina Signs Joint Venture National Catalyst Factory

Jakarta, July 29, 2020 - Pertamina, together with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and PT Pupuk Kujang, made a new history by signing a joint venture to build the first national catalyst factory in Indonesia. It was held in Aula Barat, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), West Java, on Wednesday (7/29). The signing was carried out by President Director of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, Plt. President Director of PT Pupuk Kujang, Rita Widayati, and President Director of PT Rekacipta Innovation ITB, Alam Indrawan.

Present at the signing was Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, Minister of Research and Technology, Bambang Brodjonegoro, Rector of ITB, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Head of ITB Catalysis Engineering Center, Prof. Dr. Ir. Subagjo and Pupuk Kujang directors and ITB academics.

ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif said the utilization of new and renewable energy was the Government's target. Along with increasing national energy security, it is also reducing economic pressure due to fuel imports.

"At present, we have 3 national strategic projects, including the Dumai Refinery, which has produced D100 as a first step. The others are the Cilacap Refinery that will produce biodiesel and the catalyst factory, which is targeted to be completed in 2021. Let us together support the national strategic program for our energy security," Arifin said.

The Minister of Research and Technology, Bambang Brodjonegoro, said the signing of the cooperation between BUMN and ITB lays the foundation for the national economy to be more stable in the future.

"With the development of bioenergy, we can reduce our dependence on imported fuels," said Bambang.

President Director of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati said, energy needs in Indonesia continue to increase, so energy security is a must. It is appropriate that the Government of Indonesia establishes a policy to start making the transition towards new and renewable energy.

Nicke asserted that, in the world, there is also a global megatrend in terms of energy. It is starting in 2030, where the growth of new and renewable energy will be higher than fossil energy. Therefore, exactly ten years earlier, Pertamina set a milestone to begin setting up the Merah Putih Catalyst Factory to optimize the development of bioenergy in Indonesia.

"With this global megatrend, Pertamina has set a vision going forward to make an energy transition by optimizing Indonesia's natural resources. Moreover, palm oil is one of the many natural resources in Indonesia. Therefore the bioenergy that we will develop a lot is based on palm oil," Nicke said.

Nicke added that the construction of this catalyst factory would also encourage TKDN in the oil and gas industry and the chemical industry. Furthermore, many types of catalysts will also be found. Therefore, through this factory, we can produce many catalysts from within the country.

"The target market already exists, and we are committed to opening a refinery for trials. Pertamina also commits to invest in the Merah Putih Catalyst Factory. Hopefully, this can all enhance the national industry and absorb a large workforce," concluded Nicke. **