President Jokowi Launches 5G Mining in PT Freeport Indonesia, A First in Southeast Asia

01 September 2022

On Thursday, September 1, 2022, in Tembagapura, Papua, Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officiated at the launching of 5G Mining technology that is the product of collaboration between PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and PT Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel).

In his address, President Jokowi emphasized the role of technological innovation in facing global competitiveness in various sectors that are increasingly undergoing digitalization, in particular towards advancing the domestic mining industry.

The 5G Smart Mining was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. “Today, we have demonstrated Indonesia is advancing further through application of 5G smart mining, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, by PTFI in collaboration with Telkomsel, towards supporting automation and remote control, and increasing safety at work as well as the company’s mining productivity,” Stated Jokowi in Mimika, on Thursday.

. “I am confident this technology will lead to PTFI to being increasingly taken into account at the global level, to produce more quality human resources in the mining area globally, and to bring about more contributions for the advancement of the mining industry in Indonesia,” President Joko Widodo continued.

President Jokowi further said technological interventions, such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data will boost mining operations to become more efficient, modern, as well as safe and sustainable.

Through 5G smart mining technology, underground mining is able to be monitored using cameras connected to artificial intelligence, while at the same time preventing and minimizing the risk of accidents at work. “I am also very pleased to hear that underground mining, which covers a highly complex terrain and is remotely controlled, is 99% operated by Indonesian nationals, in particular from Papua,” Presiden Joko Widodo added.

President Director of PTFI conveyed that PTFI has been applying Advanced Digital Technology in its underground mining operation by means of a remote-control system using WiFi technology since 2006, with the engagement of third party partners and investment amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

In 2021, the BUMN Ministry pushed for collaboration between PTFI and Telkomsel towards application of 5G technology in its mining operation, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Then in April 2022, application of 5G technology was successfully demonstrated in the case of remote loader use and the underground safety system in PTFI’s underground mining operations.

With WiFi-based technology widely used and with significant investment, currently 5G technology application still covers a limited area. “Mine development at a depth of more than 1,500 meters below ground surface carries a high degree of safety risk for the company’s employees and other assets, and as such careful planning, appropriate technological application, and capable human resources are needed,” Said Wenas.

“PTFI has applied Advanced Digital Technology in its underground mining operation by means of a remote-control system using WiFi technology since 2006. Introduction of new 5G technology innovations in PTFI’s mining area will further strengthen PTFI’s strategic position as leader of the mining industry in Indonesia,” added Wenas.

Furthermore, Telkomsel President Director, Hendri Mulya Syam stated that having succeeded as the first digital telecommunications company in Indonesia that provide 5G services. “Telkomsel is now continuing its commitment to reinforce the ecosystem for utilization of 5G technology, which in this case is realized through support for the first application of 5G Underground Smart Mining technology in PT Freeport Indonesia’s mining operation area.” stated Hendri.

 

http://regional.kompas.com/read/2022/09/01/145639978/presiden-jokowi-resmikan-teknologi-5g-smart-mining-pt-freeport-indonesia

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