Pertamina: Keeping the Oil and Gas Ecosystem During the Pandemic, Nicke Widyawati Wins a National Energy Security Leader

Hard work and a high commitment to providing the best for the nation has resulted in recognition.

Nicke Widyawati succeeded in leading Pertamina’s restructuration through the triple shocks in the oil and gas sector caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. When the vast majority of oil and gas businesses experienced losses, she was able to lead Pertamina to record profits. Even in the second year of the pandemic, with her, this state-owned company’s profit has doubled. She is also able to maintain the national oil and gas ecosystem along with millions of oil and gas workers, as well as maintain energy security amid a sluggish economy due to the Covid-19 virus spread. At the same time, under Nicke’s leadership, Pertamina succeeded in transforming into an Oil and Gas Holding with 6 Subholdings, as well as building digitalization from Upstream Oil and Gas to Downstream (SPBU). With the right steps, Pertamina proves to be more efficient and productive. This extraordinary feat track records her to become the President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) for the second term.

Starting the second period, Nicke Widyawati, as President Director of Pertamina, won an award as a National Energy Resilience Figure at the 2022 Rakyat Merdeka Award event.

“This award is a mandate that we must maintain to ensure that Pertamina’s presence in national energy resilience, independence, and sovereignty can truly be felt by the community,” explained Nicke Widyawati, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), when receiving the award in Bali Room, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Jakarta, Wednesday (28/9).

She admits that being the leader of an SOE as big as Pertamina have many challenges. However, the biggest challenge during her leadership period was facing the Covid-19 pandemic that hit almost all sectors of life, including energy, which was exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical conflict that caused the world energy crisis.

Nicke thanked Rakyat Merdeka leaders for their appreciation. According to her, this makes Pertamina even more enthusiastic about strengthening steps to encourage transformation, carrying out services, especially in maintaining energy security for the country.

“Pertamina will always be at the forefront of maintaining national energy security and encouraging the energy transition,” said Nicke.

She also expressed her gratitude for the support from the Government and the Indonesian people.

“I dedicate this award to all Pertamina employees who have continued to work during the pandemic, in all of Pertamina’s business lines, including those who operate in remote areas and in the middle of the sea,” added Nicke.

In carrying out the shareholder’s trust to lead the Indonesian Energy SOE for a second period, Nicke said that she would follow the Government’s agenda and big targets in the energy sector as part of the Green Energy and Green Economy program directed by the President.

Through a virtual speech, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, reminded that the Government, would continue to develop clean energy and strengthen the green economy.

“With the synergy and cooperation of all elements of the nation, Indonesia will be able to take many opportunities’ advantages to grow stronger and sustainably,” Jokowi said.

On the same occasion, President Director of the Rakyat Merdeka Group, Kiki Iswara Darmayana, said the figures who won the Rakyat Merdeka Award had given all their best contributions, were highly dedicated, and worked wholeheartedly for the recovery and revival of Indonesia.

“One of them is Pertamina. Thanks to their hard work, even though Pertamina had experienced a triple shock, Pertamina could fulfill the country’s energy needs and boost oil production. It is extraordinary hard work,” he said.

The Merdeka People Award 2022 for Indonesia Recovering and Rising is a form of appreciation for the hard work, contributions, thoughts, and struggles of several figures during difficult times and global crises due to the pandemic, over the last two years. There are 31 figures whom received this award.