29 November 2025
Timika, 29 November 2025 – In an endeavor to boost the quality of Papua Football Academy (PFA)’s coaches and students, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) in conjunction with All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) teamed up with Dutch football federation (KNVB) and held a Coaching Course at Mimika Sport Complex (MSC) in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province from 20 November through 22 November 2025.
"The collaboration between PFA and the Dutch football federation is part of the commitment by Freeport Indonesia and PSSI to consistently promote football from an early age through the coaching course. Engaging quality coaches was a vital endeavor to positively influence the development of young players," said Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir.
The goal of this agenda was to boost the development of young Papuan coaches and PFA youths through an international standard talent development program attended by 60 students in the 13 to 15-year age bracket, along with their coaches.
PSSI brought to Mimika two KNVB instructors, namely Bert Zuurman (UEFA A Youth) and Andre Simmelink (UEFA A). In addition, two Indonesian national team legends who are native Papuans, Gerald Pangkali and Eduard Ivakdalam, were also present to share their experience and know-how in addition to providing motivation.
“Papua has an outstanding pool of football talent, and as such, it is our common task and duty to offer the best space and assistance, and ensure this talent is continually developed. This time, the program provided by PSSI to bring KNVB to Mimika was not just for the youths attending PFA but also afforded their coaches experience and an international outlook towards their further advancement,” said Director & Executive Vice President Sustainable Development PTFI, Claus Wamafma.
Coach of KNVB UEFA A Youth, Bert Zuurman, expressed admiration for the passion and physical strength demonstrated by PFA students. “I perceived PFA students to be the cream of the crop among Papuan youths for having passed a stringent selection. They are endowed with a powerful physique and have great potential to develop as professional footballers with the support of infrastructure and facilities provided by Freeport Indonesia.”
This collaboration among PTFI, PSSI, and KNVB, represents a real step in encouraging the development of young, talented Papuans and boosting their competency and competitiveness. “PTFI will continue to support initiatives that advance the development of Papuan children in education, character building, and sports,” added Claus.
| PHOTO | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
|
|
The coach from the KNVB, Andre Simmelink, delivered a theoretical session on football strategy as part of the coaching course for PFA trainers. |
|
|
Indonesian National Team legend Eduard Ivak (in the orange shirt) conducted a technical training session for PFA students at the MSC Timika field. |
|
|
The mental motivation session on the field was delivered by Indonesian National Team legends Gerald Pangkali and Eduard Ivak to PFA students and coaches. |
|
|
Two coaches from the KNVB, Bert Zuurman (UEFA A Youth) and Andre Simmelink (UEFA A), delivered the material through a talk-show session attended by PFA students and coaches. |
|
|
Coaching Course Program was held to develop young Papuan coaches and PFA students by providing insights aligned with international standards, attended by all students and the coaching management team. |
***
About PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a mineral mining company affiliated with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID). PTFI mines and processes ore to produce copper minerals containing gold and silver.
PTFI markets concentrate worldwide, particularly to domestic copper smelters, PT Smelting. PTFI's mining operations are located in the Grasberg mineral district, Papua - Indonesia. PTFI currently operates the world's largest underground mine using the block caving method. In carrying out its operational activities, PTFI prioritizes responsible business practices.
Kami menghimbau para pencari kerja untuk berhati-hati dan mewaspadai beragam modus penipuan perekrutan yang mengatasnamakan PT Freeport Indonesia. Dalam setiap proses rekrutmen dan penerimaan karyawan, PT Freeport Indonesia maupun konsultan rekruitmennya tidak memungut biaya apapun.
Untuk melihat lowongan, silakan akses melalui link berikut: ptfi e-recruitment
Untuk melihat informasi magang, silakan akses melalui link berikut: Internship Program
