Army deployment begins at Pertamina sites amid national security push

By Romel S. Gurky

Indonesia has begun deploying Army personnel to guard key oil and gas facilities operated by state oil, gas  company PT Pertamina (Persero), with troops now stationed at the Cilacap refinery in Central Java and the Rokan oil block in Riau as part of a nationwide security program mandated by the Ministry of Defense.

At Pertamina’s Cilacap refinery, 110 soldiers were assigned on Monday along with two Maung tactical vehicles, marking the first day of active military security at the site. Colonel Teguh Wiratama of Kodam IV/Diponegoro said the deployment aims to strengthen protection of one of the country’s most critical energy assets. Pertamina welcomed the reinforcement, citing the importance of operational stability at the national fuel supply hub.

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In Riau, Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) and the Indonesian Army held a security readiness ceremony in Rumbai, where 380 personnel were mobilized to safeguard the Rokan Block, Indonesia’s largest crude-producing region. Units deployed include air-defense, cavalry, military police and support forces, along with armored vehicles and tactical equipment. The Rokan Block spans about 6,400 square kilometers and produces a significant share of the country’s oil output.

Maj. Gen. Agus Hadi Waluyo, commander of Kodam XIX/Tuanku Tambusai, said the presence of military personnel is intended to deter threats that could disrupt energy operations and undermine economic stability. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin previously said the campaign forms part of the Army’s non-war operations and is aligned with updates to Indonesia’s defense laws, which allow the military to protect strategic national infrastructure.

The government has not disclosed how many facilities will ultimately be placed under military protection, but the plan covers Pertamina’s refineries, upstream assets, and fuel terminals.

Editing by Alexander Ginting