Pertamina Uses Satellite Technology to Help Protect Whale Sharks in Indonesian Waters

PIS supports whale shark conservation through satellite tagging and safer shipping practices in Indonesian waters.

PEWARTA.CO.ID — Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) is using satellite technology to support whale shark conservation while reducing the risk of ship collisions with the endangered marine species in Indonesian waters.

The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with NGO Konservasi Indonesia and was presented at the Indonesia Sustainability 360 Forum 2026 as part of PIS's efforts to align sustainable shipping with marine biodiversity protection.

Whale sharks have long shared the waters of Talisayan, East Kalimantan, with local fishing communities. While fishermen depend on the sea for their livelihoods, the world's largest fish species use the same waters to feed and migrate.

Their presence also plays an important role in marine ecosystems and has created opportunities for conservation-based tourism, or ecotourism, in coastal areas.

Satellite tags help map whale shark movements

One of PIS's key conservation measures is the installation of satellite tags on whale sharks. The technology provides information about the animals' movements and helps researchers identify important habitats and areas where interactions with vessels may be more likely.

The information can then be used to support earlier mitigation measures and reduce the possibility of collisions between ships and whale sharks.

Iqbal Herwata, Focal Species Conservation Senior Manager at Konservasi Indonesia, said technology is an important tool for developing data-based conservation efforts.

“Satellite tagging can provide us with information on whale shark movements so mitigation can be carried out before the risk of collisions with ships becomes unidentified and endangers the whale sharks,” Iqbal said.

He is directly involved in the Whaleshark Tagging program in the Derawan Islands, which was initiated by PIS.

Balancing shipping and marine conservation

Whale sharks face several threats, including the risk of collisions with vessels operating along shipping routes. The species is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with its global population reported to have declined by more than 50 percent.

Because whale sharks reproduce slowly, experts estimate that restoring their population to an ideal condition could take up to 100 years.

Indonesia has an important role in whale shark conservation because its waters are among the species' significant habitats. PIS therefore views sustainable shipping and marine biodiversity protection as efforts that need to be pursued together.

“PIS is optimizing sustainable shipping and protecting biodiversity, especially marine ecosystems, so that business and the environment can coexist harmoniously and sustainably for the future,” PIS Acting Corporate Secretary Vega Pita said in a statement Friday, Sept. 11.

Vega said whale shark conservation demonstrates how businesses can contribute to addressing environmental challenges through collaboration and innovation.

Raising awareness among seafarers

PIS's conservation approach also includes strengthening the awareness and capabilities of seafarers who operate in marine areas where whale sharks may be present.

Understanding whale shark habitats and adopting safer navigation practices can help crews remain alert when vessels pass through areas used by the species for habitat or migration.

Capt. Marsel Williem, a PIS ship seafarer, said information about whale shark habitats can help crews exercise greater caution in areas considered vulnerable to interactions with vessels.

“PIS's initiative to protect whale shark habitats is very important for these marine megafauna, whose survival can be threatened by ships, so we can be more careful when passing through vulnerable areas,” Marsel said.

PIS said the combination of technology, seafarer training and cooperation with stakeholders can help minimize risks to whale sharks without compromising shipping safety or operational effectiveness.

The company views the initiative as part of a broader sustainability approach in which business operations are expected to contribute to the protection of marine biodiversity alongside maintaining effective shipping activities.