SEAToday.com, Baku – PT Pertamina (Persero) operates with a strong focus on sustainability and creating direct positive impacts on society. One of its standout programs, Desa Energi Berdikari (DEB) or Self-sustaining Energy Village, exemplifies this commitment.

At the UN Climate Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Pertamina shared the success of DEB, a program designed to foster energy independence and economic growth for local communities.

Dicky Septriadi, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina New & Renewable Energy, highlighted that DEB is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at providing clean energy access to remote villages across Indonesia. Beyond offering sustainable electricity, the program drives local economic development and empowers communities to meet their energy needs independently.

"Through Desa Energi Berdikari, Pertamina demonstrates its commitment to global climate action. As one of the world’s largest energy producers, Pertamina recognizes its crucial role in supporting Indonesia’s growth while addressing the challenges of climate change," Dicky stated during a panel at the ICESCO Pavilion on November 13, 2024.

DEB’s inclusion at COP 29 also serves as a call to action for other private sector entities to participate in combating climate change. Pertamina emphasized that addressing climate change requires collaboration across sectors.

"Engaging in climate action is not just about corporate responsibility but also about ensuring business sustainability and building community resilience. We invite other companies to join initiatives like Desa Energi Berdikari and work together to drive meaningful change," Dicky urged.

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Pertamina's Vice President of Corporate Communication, noted that Pertamina has expanded clean energy usage through DEB. To date, the company has established 114 Self-sustaining Energy Villages across Indonesia.

The program utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar power, micro-hydro, and biogas, which offer significant potential for delivering long-term benefits. Pertamina not only installs clean energy infrastructure but also educates communities on managing these resources to ensure optimal economic outcomes.

The DEB initiative has directly benefited over 30,000 people, reduced carbon emissions by more than 729,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, and generated an economic impact of $180,000 per year.

"DEB fosters community energy and economic independence while encouraging environmentally friendly practices," Fadjar stated.

Looking ahead, Pertamina aims to expand DEB to 79 additional regions by 2024. The program also plays a key role in supporting Indonesia’s target of achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060.

"The greater the adoption of clean energy, the more significant the reduction in carbon emissions, accelerating the government's NZE target," Fadjar concluded.