The partnership between the press and players in the upstream oil and gas sector in Riau Province was strengthened through a sporting event. The Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Riau, SKK Migas Northern Sumatra Representative Office (Sumbagut), and EMP Bentu held a friendly table tennis tournament at the PWI Riau Secretariat, Jalan Arifin Achmad, Pekanbaru, on Thursday (30/7/2026).

The event, billed as a friendly match, was attended by 38 participants divided into 19 doubles pairs. The matches were dynamic and full of camaraderie, presenting exciting rallies that entertained the spectators, while also serving as a means of relaxation outside the formal routines of each institution.

After a competitive yet sportsmanlike contest starting from the preliminary rounds, the pair of Pianisril and Zulkifli Ali emerged as the first-place winners thanks to their consistent performance. The runner-up position went to the duo of Helfizon and Mansur, followed by a joint third place won by the pairs Armazi Yendra-Hendri Z and Agustira-Ferdi.

The Chairman of PWI Riau, Raja Isyam Azwar, stated that the main essence of this competition was not merely finding a winner, but rather nurturing the relationship that has been established. According to him, sports is a highly effective universal medium to unite various professions in a warm, friendly, and equal atmosphere.

The Head of the Formality and Communication Department of SKK Migas Sumbagut, Yanin Kholison, also appreciated the warm camaraderie of the event. While jokingly praising the resilience of the PWI Riau team at the ping pong table, he emphasized that relaxed activities like this are very effective in breaking down bureaucratic barriers for more solid communication in the future.

Echoing these sentiments, the CSR and Communication Division Manager of EMP Bentu, Iman Soerjasantosa, emphasized the importance of a harmonious relationship between regulators, oil and gas industry players, and journalists. This strong and sustainable synergy is expected to continue supporting the objective, balanced, and accurate dissemination of information about the upstream oil and gas industry to the public.