Tens of Thousands of Workers Involved, Balikpapan RDMP Encourages Humanist Work Culture to Support Indonesia Gold 2045 Target

Friday, 2 May 2025

The commemoration of International Labor Day is a reflective moment for the contribution of workers in driving the wheels of national development. In the midst of the pace of technological advancement and dynamic industrial challenges, workers remain the main force supporting the national economy.

The commitment to the creation of a fair, safe and humane working environment is realized by PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan (KPB) through the implementation of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) National Strategic Project. This project aims to strengthen national energy security and independence through increasing refinery capacity from 260 thousand barrels per day (kbpd) to 360 kbpd, improving the quality of fuel products equivalent to EURO V, as well as increasing refinery complexity for operational efficiency and expanding product range.

Along with its implementation, the Balikpapan RDMP Project has contributed significantly to employment. At the peak of construction, the project absorbed up to 24,000 workers, with 44% of them being local labor from East Kalimantan. In addition, PT KPB consistently organizes training and certification programs for surrounding communities to improve competitiveness and economic independence, including BNSP certified welder and Gada Pratama training.

In the aspect of work culture, one of PT KPB's 12 sustainable culture programs, namely “Call Name Shake Hand”, helps shape healthy communication and a humane work climate in the midst of large-scale project activities. This program is implemented through a campaign of greeting, calling names, and giving greetings carried out directly by the management team to the workers.

“Through Call Name Shake Hand, we want to build a more equal and caring working relationship. This program is part of a two-way communication that strengthens the implementation of safety culture in the field,” said Asep Sulaeman, VP Legal & Relation of PT KPB.

He added that work safety is not just about technical procedures, but also about mutual care. “When workers feel valued and listened to, they will be more motivated to work safely and productively.”

One of the workers in the field, Sufroni from PT Mipcon, also benefited from the program. “We feel recognized as workers here. This is also an encouragement for other workers in this refinery,” he said.

The program serves as a medium for management to remind workers directly about safe work procedures, PPE compliance, and the importance of returning home safely. This approach also supports the zero accident target that continues to be maintained in the Balikpapan and Lawe-Lawe RDMP Project environments.

Through collaboration between management and thousands of workers, PT KPB is committed to overseeing project completion with the highest safety standards. Safety first culture continues to be prioritized so that every process remains safe and smooth. In addition, PT KPB is committed to always building a harmonious work environment by strengthening relationships with all workers. This is in line with the initiative of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises in supporting the President's Asta Cita.