Reaching Vulnerable Populations: Health Education in Balikpapan Detention Center

In a proactive move to address public health concerns, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional kalimantan conducted an educational outreach program at the Balikpapan Class IIA Detention center on wednesday, April 16, 2025. The initiative focused on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) among the residents.

The session, held in the detention center’s main hall, featured key figures including Jahrent Pradana Pinem, Kalimantan Medical Manager at Pertamina patra Niaga, Dr. I Dewa Gede Dony Lesmana, Chairperson of the Balikpapan Health Department’s P3M Work Team, and Agus Salim, Head of the Detention Center.

Jahrent Pradana Pinem emphasized the critical need to educate vulnerable groups about infectious diseases. This is part of our commitment to help protect public health as a whole, he stated.

Dr. Bintang Warastuti lead an interactive session, encouraging participants to engage in discussions. The Karang Jati Puskesmas team also provided Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and TB screening services on-site. This proactive approach aligns with global efforts to combat TB, which, according to the World Health Association (WHO), remains a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developing countries.

Agus Salim, Head of the Detention Center, expressed his gratitude, stating, Health is the right of all people, including fostered residents.Thank you for Pertamina Patra Niaga who already cares.

Extending the Reach: Health Awareness at Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK)

Prior to the detention center outreach, Pertamina Patra Niaga conducted a similar health education session at the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) in Balikpapan on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The event, held in the university auditorium, saw participation from students and lecturers alike.

Ir. Khakim Ghozali, M.MT, Vice Rector II of ITK, lauded Pertamina Patra Niaga’s consistent efforts to address health issues within the academic community. The problem of HIV/AIDS and TB is still a global challenge. We need education like this to equip the younger generation, he remarked.

Dr. Bintang Warastuti again led the session, providing comprehensive information on the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS and TB. The interactive discussion format fostered enthusiastic participation from students, who actively engaged in asking questions and sharing their perspectives.

According to UNAIDS, while meaningful progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, continued education and awareness campaigns are crucial, especially among young people, to prevent new infections and reduce stigma.

Pertamina’s Commitment to Community Well-being

Edi Mangun, Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Kalimantan, emphasized the company’s dedication to public health. We want to not only provide education, but also to build awareness together about the dangers of infectious diseases. Hope, our environment can be more healthy and stronger, he stated.

As a Subholding Commercial & Trading PT Pertamina (Persero), PT Pertamina Patra niaga reaffirms its commitment to channeling resources for the betterment of the community. This initiative underscores the company’s broader corporate social duty efforts, demonstrating a commitment to not only providing energy solutions but also fostering healthier and more informed communities.

For further information, the public is encouraged to contact the Pertamina Call Center at 135.