Jakarta, INTI - PT Pertamina (Persero), through its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program, officially launched an automated marine waste-cleaning vessel called the Autonomous Trash Skimmer at Sekeh Beach, Badung, Bali. Developed in collaboration with the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), the vessel was introduced alongside a live operational demonstration on June 10.
The launch took place as part of the World Environment Day celebrations, led by Pertamina President Commissioner Mochamad Iriawan, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental preservation, technological innovation, and community empowerment through more modern, efficient, and sustainable aquatic waste management solutions.
In his remarks, Mochamad Iriawan emphasized that marine debris has become a serious threat to ocean ecosystems, public health, and the attractiveness of coastal tourism, especially in Bali, where tourism remains a key economic driver.
AI and Hybrid Technology Drive Smarter Marine Waste Management
To address this challenge, Pertamina, together with Pertamina International Shipping, Pertamina Foundation, Patra Jasa, ITS, and coastal communities, developed the Autonomous Trash Skimmer. This smart water robot combines Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous navigation systems, and hybrid energy technology to detect and collect marine waste either autonomously or through manual operation.
“Tourists visit Bali primarily because of its beautiful beaches. If beaches become polluted with waste, their attractiveness declines. The impact is also felt by fishermen, whose catches decrease due to damaged marine ecosystems,” said Mochamad Iriawan.
He added that marine waste also poses operational risks for industries, including Pertamina, as debris can interfere with ship propellers, clog cooling systems, and potentially disrupt energy distribution.
According to him, waste management can no longer rely solely on conventional approaches. Stronger collaboration, public education, and technological innovation are needed to create more effective and sustainable environmental solutions. The Autonomous Trash Skimmer represents a tangible step toward achieving cleaner and healthier waterways.
Expanding Sustainable Solutions for Indonesia’s Coastal Areas
As an initial implementation stage, Pertamina selected The Patra Bali Resort & Villas in Badung as the pilot project location for operating the Autonomous Trash Skimmer. The site was chosen due to its intensive coastal tourism activities, where sustainable waste management is essential to maintain environmental quality and tourist appeal.
During the initial phase, Pertamina aims to reduce approximately one ton of coastal waste annually around The Patra Bali Resort & Villas and the Ngurah Rai Aviation Fuel Terminal (AFT). Meanwhile, at the TBBM Kotabaru operational area in Semayap and Rampa villages, Kalimantan, the program is expected to help reduce around 20 tons of coastal waste per year.
Mochamad Iriawan noted that the strategic location near Patra Bali Resort & Villas and AFT Ngurah Rai supports both Bali’s tourism sector and critical energy infrastructure, demonstrating that business success should go hand in hand with environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
The eight-meter vessel features a twin-hull catamaran design and is equipped with advanced technologies, including ultrasonic sensors, GPS cameras, AI systems, and real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing it to efficiently identify and collect floating waste.
The vessel operates using an electric motor supported by a hybrid system and solar panels as renewable energy sources, enabling low-emission and environmentally friendly operations. It is also equipped with a central waste collection net, a plastic shredding machine to support recycling processes, and a 500-kilogram electric pulley to simplify waste lifting.
Looking ahead, Pertamina hopes the Autonomous Trash Skimmer will become a technology-based marine waste management model that can be replicated across various coastal operational areas throughout Indonesia.
Following the pilot projects in Bali and Kotabaru, potential expansion locations include Integrated Terminal Cilacap, Integrated Terminal Balongan, Fuel Terminal Maos, Fuel Terminal Ternate, Fuel Terminal Wayame, Fuel Terminal Parepare, Fuel Terminal Masohi, and Fuel Terminal Labuan Bajo.
Conclusion
The launch of the Autonomous Trash Skimmer demonstrates how technology and sustainability can work together to address marine pollution. By integrating AI, renewable energy, and autonomous systems, Pertamina aims to create a scalable and environmentally friendly solution that supports cleaner coastal ecosystems and sustainable maritime management across Indonesia.
Read more: Pelindo and the Denpasar Government Collaborate to Develop PSEL Facility in Bali