PGN Shows The Ecosystem And Innovation Of DEB Balkondes Karangrejo Borobudur To The European Market

Photo: Doc. PGN

JAKARTA - PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN) as the Gas Subholding of PT Pertamina Persero, continues to expand its role in encouraging national economic growth and community development through the development of sustainable tourism based on clean energy and community empowerment.

This step is part of PGN's commitment to supporting the government's Super Priority Destinations (DSP) ecosystem, especially in the Borobudur area, Central Java, and also the Pertamina Energy Village Program (DEB) so that tourism development benefits are not only enjoyed by tourists, but also have a real economic impact on rural communities. This commitment is realized through the Village Economic Center/Bilondes PGN Karangrejo, which was developed as a sustainable tourism model that integrates energy, village economy, and ecotourism.

Through the Discovering the Magnification of Indonesia (DMI) Expo 2025 event at Utrecht, Netherlands, Thursday, October 30. PGN displays the work of Balkondes Karangrejo in front of industry players and international partners. Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, HE Mayerfas, said that DMI Expo is an important momentum to strengthen business and tourism cooperation between Indonesia and Europe, especially the Netherlands, which has a strategic position as an entry point to the European and North American markets.

Indonesia's potential natural, spice and tourism wealth is enormous. Destinations outside Bali such as Borobudur must continue to be developed so that they are no less competitive with other Southeast Asian countries," said Mayerfas.

On this occasion, PGN presented the success of the Balkondes PGN Karangrejo, a fostered village that has transformed into a sustainable and independent tourism model. Starting from a simple homestay, this area has now transformed into an integrated tourism ecosystem that is a forum for people's creativity as well as a driving force for the regional economy.

In line with the commitment to environmentally friendly energy, PGN presents a cluster's Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) system to meet the energy needs of around 150 households, as well as solar panels to supply some of the electricity needs of the Balkondes area. As a result, the Balkondes PGN Karangrejo recorded turnover of up to Rp3.6 billion in 2024, with 80 percent of local workers trained to manage homestays, restaurants, and tour packages such as the VW Safari tour, cycling, arung Jeram, to agricultural education tourism. Revenue from Balkondes is returned to villages through Original Village Revenue (PADes), which contributes to improving community welfare.

Division Head Corporate Social Responsibility of PT PGN Tbk, Krisdyan Widagdo Adhi, explained that the success of the Karangrejo Balkondes was not only measured from an economic perspective, but also from social changes and people's mindsets.

The most valuable thing is not just increasing turnover, but the birth of independence and the spirit of community cooperation. They now realize that the potential of the village can be a source of prosperity without damaging the environment," explained Krisdyan.

After a business matching session at the DMI Expo, a number of Dutch travel agents showed interest in including the Karangrejo PGN Balkondes in their tour package. This potential collaboration opens up wider promotion opportunities for culture-based tourism and village community ecotourism in the European market.

"We believe that sustainability and collaboration are key. Balkondes is not just a social project, but a partnership model between the community, government, and BUMN that can be replicated in other destinations," concluded Krisdyan.