Govt to deploy army units to guard Pertamina refineries

Indonesia will deploy Army personnel to secure refineries and fuel terminals operated by state energy company Pertamina beginning next month, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said on Monday.

Speaking after a closed-door hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives, Sjafrie said the move is part of efforts to strengthen security at strategic national facilities.

He described the deployment as an element of the Army’s non-war military operations and noted that it aligns with revisions to the country’s defence laws. “Tasks include securing strategic installations, particularly those owned by Pertamina,” he said.

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According to the minister, the plan will involve Indonesian Army (TNI AD) troops under monitoring by the military’s Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS). Their role will include identifying potential threats and providing physical security at energy sites.

Sjafrie did not specify the number of personnel to be deployed or which facilities would be prioritised. The decision follows broader discussions on strengthening territorial units across various regions.

Pertamina operates multiple refineries and fuel distribution terminals critical to national energy supply.

Editing by Alexander Ginting