Public Health in the Oil and Gas Industry: The Case of PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam
Public health is one of the crucial aspects that must be considered in the development of large-scale projects, including oil and gas projects. The oil and gas industry in Indonesia has made a significant contribution to the national economy; however, it also brings environmental and health impacts that cannot be overlooked. Large-scale projects, such as oil and gas exploration and production, often present complex challenges in ensuring a balance between economic growth and public health protection.
PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, operating in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, is a key player in the offshore sector. As an important entity in the national energy industry, PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam plays a crucial role in supporting energy security and economic growth. However, exploration and production activities in this region also have significant environmental and health impacts, particularly on the local communities living near the operational areas and on the company’s workers.
PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam\'s commitment to health is evident through its implementation of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in 2024. The assessment aims to identify priority health issues arising directly or indirectly from the company\'s activities and to design mitigation measures to minimize risks to local communities.
The HIA findings indicate that the industrial processes conducted by PHM do not cause significant environmental and public health impacts on the population. However, the assessment has identified various health challenges faced by both workers and surrounding communities. The results show an increased risk of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the community, which could also affect the company’s workforce. Additionally, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus has risen, linked to unhealthy lifestyles within the local community. Limited access to clean water and transportation to healthcare facilities is also a pressing concern, especially for communities residing in the upstream coastal areas of Muara Jawa.
Based on the evidence-based recommendations generated from the HIA, PHM is expected to design and implement innovative, sustainable, and community-based public health programs that prioritize preventive and promotive healthcare measures. These programs should aim to improve the overall health of the local population.
Through these initiatives, PHM plays a strategic role in strengthening collaboration between the company, local communities, and the government while ensuring the sustainability of health development in its operational areas. With an evidence-based and cross-sectoral collaborative approach, HIA serves not only as an evaluation tool but also as a foundation for long-term strategic planning aimed at improving public well-being.
Prevention of NCDs in small islands in Indonesia faces unique challenges such as limited resources, environmental vulnerability, and cultural barriers. Addressing these requires tailored interventions that consider local contexts and involve cross-sectoral collaboration. Additionally, integrating climate change adaptation measures into food and health policies can further enhance resilience and sustainability (Guell et al., 2024). Multifaceted interventions combining nutrition education with practical skill training, such as vegetable gardening and food preparation, have shown promise in improving dietary habits and reducing NCD risks (Halliday et al., 2023; Haynes et al., 2018). Climate change exacerbates this situation by threatening the sustainability of small islands through rising sea levels, ecosystem degradation, and shifting extreme weather patterns that affect natural resources, particularly fisheries and tourism (UNEP, 2023). In this context, access to freshwater is also becoming increasingly limited due to salinization and coastal erosion, directly impacting the health of coastal communities (WMO & UNEP, 2022)
The assessment provides an overview of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) conducted in the operational areas of PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM). It highlights the identification of health risks, environmental impacts, and community needs in Kutai Kartanegara, particularly focusing on issues like access to healthcare, risky behaviors, environmental pollution, and disease prevalence. Key findings include the limited utilization of healthcare facilities due to geographic and logistical barriers, high levels of smoking and unhealthy diets, and significant cases of infectious diseases and environmental illnesses. Environmental challenges, such as air and water pollution, along with the lack of proper waste management, were also emphasized. Community feedback through surveys and FGDs revealed both positive contributions of PHM, like infrastructure development and healthcare assistance, and concerns about pollution and insufficient clean water access. Recommendations include strengthening CSR programs, improving healthcare access, promoting healthier behaviors, and addressing environmental risks to support community health and sustainability.