Indonesia, Tangguh LNG, the main business of BP in Indonesia located in Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua Province, which started its integrated LNG operations in mid-2009, has delivered over 1,500 LNG cargoes to customers in Indonesia and Asia.
In line with this, Tangguh LNG is also committed to providing long-term benefits to stakeholders, including partners and the surrounding community. Tangguh’s social programs cover areas such as health, education, governance, community development in Papua and West Papua, as well as entrepreneurship development programs for the local community. To date, Tangguh LNG has invested over 40 million US dollars in these social programs.
Tangguh LNG has also established a Business Development Service Center in Bintuni, providing support and training to local businesses. Currently, there are 14 local companies that have contracts with Tangguh LNG, with a contract value of approximately US$49 million.
Tangguh LNG strives to build self-reliance and sustainable economic development for the local community by providing entrepreneurship training to local business owners. The training includes areas such as AC maintenance, garment production, and fisheries, involving members of the indigenous communities in the Teluk Bintuni region.
Abdul Wahab Iha, also known as Awi, the Director of PT Papua Kreasi Sejahtera-Raja Laut, who collaborates with Tangguh LNG for the entrepreneurship program, said, “Starting with the spirit of empowering the youth in Fakfak, West Papua, I eventually met BP and tried to develop a business by utilizing the natural resources of Papua. The canned fish industry we run together with BP utilizes fish sourced from local fishermen and farmers as ingredients for processed spices.”
“We believe that one way to advance the community is by having economic sustainability directly carried out by the community members themselves. If it’s not the Papuan youth who are willing to strive for the progress of Papua, then who else!” added Awi.
Through Papua Kreasi Sejahtera-Raja Laut, Awi is one of the suppliers of marine and agricultural products for Tangguh catering, with a total absorption of hundreds of tons per year.
In the field of education and skills development, Tangguh LNG has played a role in developing local workforce through training programs and scholarships. Since 2008, Tangguh has provided scholarships to 1,350 local students at the high school and university levels.
Furthermore, more than 200 Papuans have received training as technicians, welders, scaffolders, and rigger operators from 2015 to 2017. The intensive technician apprenticeship program of Tangguh LNG, with a duration of three years in Ciloto, West Java, has also produced over 110 certified international technicians who now work at Tangguh LNG.
This training program has been a life-changing opportunity for participants from West Papua, where they begin their personal and professional development journey. The program aims to hone local talents and fulfill Tangguh LNG’s commitment to employing 85% of the workforce from Papua and West Papua by 2029.
The participants in this program come from the regions of Teluk Bintuni, Fakfak, Manokwari, and Sorong. During this period, they undergo comprehensive technical training as well as improvement in English language, mathematics, and science.
The training center, equipped with modern facilities such as computer simulation laboratories, small-scale LNG plants, accommodation areas, workshops, classrooms, and health clinics, has become a place for them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
Binduki Sanera, one of the participants from the second batch, said, “This apprenticeship program is an incredible opportunity for me. I feel called to develop myself and build a career in the oil and gas industry.
Through this program, I have gained comprehensive technical knowledge and intensive training. I am very excited to fulfill my dreams and prove that Papuans can also achieve success.”
Axl Feilino Himan Bau, an alumni of the apprenticeship program, shared his experience, “Initially, I intended to continue my studies, but when I heard about the Tangguh LNG apprenticeship program, I became interested. Going through this program was not easy, the biggest challenge was adapting to the program and the new environment.
However, with strong determination, we managed to overcome the first year full of introductions to the oil and gas industry. Three years have passed, and now we have the opportunity to work at Tangguh LNG together with the BP Indonesia family.”
Jein Wayuri, an alumni of the apprenticeship program, also shared his story, “I had to go through various tests and finally made it along with 39 other friends. After that, we were sent to Ciloto and underwent a three-year apprenticeship program there.
I learned a lot about the oil and gas industry and how to face challenges in future work. As a local son, I believe that if I can succeed, then others have the same potential.”
These three Papuan individuals are part of the over 110 graduates of the intensive technician apprenticeship program who now operate Tangguh LNG, where currently 72% of its workforce is from Papua.
In commemoration of National Awakening Day, they hope that their stories will inspire everyone that hard work, discipline, and high dedication will bring positive results for themselves, their families, and the surrounding community.
Tangguh LNG’s commitment to developing local talent will continue. Other programs, such as scholarships at various education levels and technical training, are also underway to maximize assistance in developing the potential of the local workforce.
