From Waste, Pertamina Drilling Innovation Attracts Global Attention in Bangkok

Bangkok - Not many would have guessed that used work uniforms from drilling activities, which usually end up as waste, would instead become the center of attention on the international stage. Yet that is exactly what Pertamina Drilling brought to the world forum of the 7th Asia Pacific Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, organized by the IEOM Society International in Bangkok on Friday (27/3).

In front of global academics and practitioners, Ade Barkah Darmond, Assistant Manager of Brand & Media at Pertamina Drilling, presented a simple yet powerful idea: waste is not the end, but the beginning of new value. Through the paper titled “From Waste to Value in Drilling Operations: Material Flow Analysis of Pertamina’s Circular Uniform Upcycling Initiative,” he explained how used uniforms are processed back into valuable products through the GUD (Gear Upcycling Drilling) program.

More than just a technical presentation, what was conveyed was a shift in perspective. Using the Material Flow Analysis (MFA) approach, every piece of fabric and every remaining material is traced and maximized, ultimately giving birth to new products that are not only economically valuable but also carry a meaningful story.

“Behind every piece of waste, there is always potential that can be brought back to life,” said Ade. “Through GUD, we want to show that industry can not only produce energy, but also hope for the environment, society, and the future.”

The program does not stop at the environmental aspect. GUD opens real opportunities for local communities and MSME players to participate in the upcycling production process. From their hands, waste is transformed into creative products and even corporate souvenirs that now carry a new identity — one that is more sustainable and more meaningful.

This initiative also addresses global challenges and aligns with the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, SDG 8, SDG 12, and SDG 13. While many companies are still talking about sustainability, Pertamina Drilling has chosen to take real action and prove it.

The resonance of this innovation has reached academics around the world. Britta Gammelgaard, Full Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, described the approach as a genuine implementation of the circular economy that is rarely found in the energy industry.

Meanwhile, Ahad Ali, Associate Professor and CEO of the IEOM Society International, viewed the program as an excellent practice with the potential to be replicated across various global sectors. Behind this achievement, Pertamina Drilling President Director Avep Disasmita emphasized that this step is not merely a temporary innovation, but part of the company’s broader strategic direction.

“This is not just about managing waste, but about how we create new value from every process we undertake. GUD reflects our commitment to sustainability while strengthening Pertamina Drilling’s position as a major player in Asia that is ready to compete on the global stage,” said Avep.

Amid increasingly fierce competition in the energy industry, Pertamina Drilling has demonstrated that strength lies not only in the scale of operations, but also in the courage to innovate and show care.

From what was once considered mere scraps, pride has now emerged. From what was originally discarded, a story that inspires the world has been born.