Pertamina Evacuates Workers in Iraq Over Fear of Middle East Tensions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pertamina's subsidiary, the PT Pertamina Internasional EP (PIEP), which operates in the international upstream oil and gas sector, evacuated seven of its workers from conflict-prone areas in Basra, Iraq, located approximately 450 kilometers away from Tehran. This precautionary step was taken in anticipation of a potential escalation of the Middle East conflict following the clashes between Iran and Israel. 

The acting CEO of PIEP, Julius Wiratno, said the evacuation process commenced gradually from June 19, 2025. The workers were evacuated by land from Basra to Kuwait, and they arrived in Jakarta on June 23.

"The evacuation was carried out carefully, taking into account the security conditions on the ground. Seven workers have returned safely," Julius said in a written statement on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

He continued that the evacuation went smoothly thanks to intensive coordination between PIEP and several relevant institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy in Baghdad, the Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait, and the Kuwaiti Embassy in Jakarta.

PIEP also coordinated with the Directorate of Indonesian Citizen Protection to ensure the smooth repatriation process.

Amidst restricted communications in conflict areas, Julius mentioned that PIEP maintained communication channels with the families of the workers. The company provided regular updates on the situation and ensured that the families understood the necessary evacuation steps.

Julius added that they continue to monitor the geopolitical situation in all their operating regions, including the West Qurna 1 Field in Iraq co-managed with PetroChina, as well as the MLN Field in Algeria.

Operational activities in Algeria and Iraq remains normal so far. "Pertamina ensures that all officers serving in the Middle East region have safely returned to Indonesia," he stated.

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