Facing Global Energy Challenges, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Inspects Balikpapan RDMP and Emphasizes Strengthening Security at National Critical Infrastructure

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menkopolkam) of the Republic of Indonesia, Djamari Chaniago, personally inspected the operational readiness of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) National Strategic Project on Tuesday (3/3) to ensure the strengthening of national energy security amid global geopolitical dynamics and increased energy demand ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri.

The visit was accompanied by the Governor of East Kalimantan, the Commander of Military Command VI/Mulawarman, and the Deputy Chief of the East Kalimantan Regional Police, and was welcomed by the Board of Directors and Management of PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan (KPB).

Amid global uncertainty, including conflicts in the Middle East that could potentially affect the stability of the global energy supply, the readiness of the national energy infrastructure is a crucial factor in maintaining a secure and reliable supply, particularly during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr periods, which are characterized by increased energy consumption.

During the inspection, the Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia observed firsthand the progress of the Balikpapan RDMP as one of the largest refinery capacity expansion projects in Indonesia. This project is designed to increase processing capacity from 260,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 360,000 bpd, while also enhancing the refinery’s complexity to produce higher-quality, value-added energy products.

“My visit here is to assess the progress of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) National Strategic Project as a vital component of the nation’s energy resilience,” he stated.

He emphasized that energy capacity expansion must be accompanied by optimal security measures, given that the Balikpapan RDMP is classified as a national critical infrastructure.

“This Balikpapan RDMP National Strategic Project must be safeguarded as best as possible by all relevant parties. The Regional Military Commander and the Regional Police Chief must continue to maintain and enhance regional security. Maritime routes must also be kept orderly to prevent incidents or accidents that could damage oil pipelines,” he explained.

On the same occasion, East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud highlighted the importance of strengthening national energy reserves as a strategic step in maintaining Indonesia’s energy security.

“Currently, national fuel security stands at around 20 days. We do not yet have national energy reserves; what we have now are still operational reserves. Therefore, immediate efforts are needed to establish national energy reserves,” he stated.

He emphasized that accelerating the strengthening of national energy processing infrastructure and support systems is an absolute priority, including through the completion of strategic projects such as the Balikpapan RDMP.

Asep Sulaeman, Vice President of Legal & Relations at PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan, noted during the same event that the construction of the Balikpapan RDMP has now entered the operational preparation phase for several key units.

“The visit by the Indonesian Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, along with the Governor, the Deputy Chief of the East Kalimantan Regional Police, and the Commander of Military Command VI/Mulawarman, provides crucial support for us in ensuring the RDMP Balikpapan operates safely, reliably, and optimally. Through this synergy, the RDMP Balikpapan is expected to continue contributing to increasing national energy processing capacity while strengthening Indonesia’s energy resilience,” he concluded.

With the synergy between the central government, local governments, and the TNI–Polri, the Balikpapan RDMP is expected to become a strategic pillar in strengthening national energy independence and resilience amid ever-evolving global challenges.