PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), in collaboration with the Pertamina Foundation, is offering scholarships and employment contracts to students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to serve as crew members aboard PIS-operated vessels.
The Crewing Talent Scouting Scholarship Program is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation between UGM and the maritime industry in preparing highly competent graduates to enter the global maritime sector.
The 2025 Crewing Talent Scouting Scholarship offers two entry pathways: the D3/D4 Hire Program and the Prala Hire Program.
The D3/D4 pathway is open to students from UGM’s Vocational College (SV UGM), the Surabaya State Shipbuilding Polytechnic (PPNS), and the Semarang State Polytechnic (Polines). Meanwhile, the Prala pathway targets cadets from four selected maritime education institutions in Indonesia.
All participants must undergo a rigorous selection process before signing a work contract with PIS.
Ma’un Budiyanto, Secretary of the Electrical Engineering Technology Program at SV UGM, welcomed the initiative and emphasized that it aligns with UGM’s mission to equip students with industry-relevant competencies.
He noted that such collaboration is a tangible example of synergy between academia and industry, supporting the advancement of the national maritime sector.
“This program supports UGM’s mission to produce adaptive and professional graduates ready to compete globally, particularly in the fields of technology and ship electrification,” he said on Monday (Apr. 28). Irfan Zainul Fikri, Director of Fleet at PIS, stated that the demand for sailors continues to grow in tandem with the company’s expanding business operations. PIS currently operates 106 vessels serving over 50 international routes.
He underscored the importance of building a new generation of professional sailors who meet global operational standards. According to Fikri, partnerships with universities like UGM are strategic in addressing industry-wide demands for human resources.
“This scholarship not only provides access to quality education but also maritime careers, allowing recipients to sail with PIS and contribute to the company’s growth amid global market competition,” he explained.
Agus Mashud S. Asngari, President and Director of the Pertamina Foundation, emphasized that the selection process would be rigorous and multilayered—covering administrative screening, academic potential tests, TOEIC assessments, psychometric evaluations, medical check-ups, and interviews.
He said this comprehensive selection process is designed to ensure that recipients are well-prepared for the global maritime industry.
“The Pertamina Foundation will ensure that selected candidates are truly global crewing talents capable of supporting PIS’s ambition to become a leading marine logistics company in Asia and beyond,” he said.
Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, stated that the program is part of Pertamina’s commitment to developing excellent human resources. He affirmed that it supports Pertamina’s vision as an agent of national development and expands access to quality employment opportunities.
“This scholarship program demonstrates Pertamina’s commitment to producing world-class talents who will represent the nation with pride on the international stage,” he remarked.
Further information about the Crewing Talent Scouting Scholarship Program is available through the official websites and social media platforms of the Pertamina Foundation and PIS.
The selection process is free of charge, and applicants are advised to remain cautious of potential fraud. Transparency and accountability remain the core principles of this scholarship program.
As a company advancing energy transition, Pertamina is actively supporting the Net Zero Emissions 2060 target and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strategic initiatives, including the development of maritime human resources.
As the maritime sub-holding within the Pertamina Group, PIS also actively promotes sustainability programs aligned with the group’s broader commitment to building a greener and more inclusive future for Indonesia’s energy and maritime sectors.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs: Pertamina International Shipping