Mimika Regency Government and Freeport Inspect Landslide-Prone Areas in Kampung Banti

06 July 2024

Timika, 6 Juli 2024 – Together with PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), on Friday (5/7) the Mimika Regency government by way of its Public Works and Spatial Planning Office (PUPR) and Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Mimika conducted an inspection of landslide-prone areas in Kampung Banti, Tembagapura District.

“We went there to identify actions to be taken following the May 4 landslide, and reviewed what repairs and work are needed to anticipate and preempt recurrences,” Mimika Regency PUPR Chief Dominggus Robert Mayaut said on Saturday (6/7).

Dominggus said the inspection follows up on directive from Mimika’s Regent instructing PUPR and BPBD Mimika to review the landslide site.

Dominggus said following inspection of landslide-prone areas in Kampung Banti, he observed that PTFI had performed various interim undertakings to anticipate and prevent further landslides. Subsequently the regency government will carry out more preventive measures against landslides, including providing guidance and edifying residents.

“We see the need for carrying out river normalization, however the residents along the riverside will have to be edified about what such action entails, we cannot carry this out if activities are still taking place around the area,” Dominggus said.

Acting Head of Mimika Regency BPBD, Moses Yarangga said the inspection tour was also aimed at informing and edifying the local residents about the danger posed by landslides.

"The terrain in the Banti area is extremely steep and sheer, such that in times of heavy rainfall, the area is highly vulnerable to landslides. It is BPBD’s duty to inform and provide early warning to residents, as well as edification and information on mitigation measures before a disaster occurs,” Moses said.

Moses said providing edification and information towards protecting residents against potential disaster is necessary, whether to the Banti natives or the non-Papuan communities conducting activities in the area. "Our concern is landslides can occur at any time, particularly bearing in mind the heavy rainfall taking place from May through June,” Moses said.

The edification provided includes advising residents on actions to take to mitigate landslides. There are also plans to assign two officers to the area to assist with monitoring and carrying out mitigation actions, such as placing landslide danger signs around the area. "A presentation by a team of experts from PT Freeport reveals there are seven spots in the Banti area that are vulnerable to landslides, and as such local residents will need to be informed and offered guidance and instruction,” Mossed said.

PTFI Director & EVP of Sustainable Development & Community Relations Claus Wamafma said ensuring the safety of Kampung Banti residents is critical in order to allow them to be at ease in carrying out activities.

In its capacity of partner to the Mimika Regency government, PTFI provided support and assistance with analyses for mapping landslide-prone areas in the Kampung Banti area. Results from these analyses were conveyed by PTFI to the Mimika Regency government as input towards ensuring readiness against disaster.

"Review of geological maps and slope gradients and rainfall concluded several spots in the area are extremely vulnerable to landslide disasters,” Claus said.

Dominggus said following the inspection tour to the location, a report will be submitted to Acting Mimika Regent Johannes Rettob to determine subsequent measures to be taken by the Mimika Regency government and the relevant entities.

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