PT Freeport Indonesia

Red and White Flag Flies in Banti Village as Freeport Indonesia and Local Community Celebrate Indonesia’s Independence

23 August 2025

Timika, 23 August 2025 – Against the backdrop of majestic green hills, in the crisp morning air under clear skies, three youths from Banti Village march firmly toward the flagpole at the center of the village field. Hundreds of participants stand in solemn respect as the national symbol rises gracefully in the skies of Papua.

These three youths serve as the flag-raising team (Paskibra) for the 17 August 2025 Independence Day Ceremony in Banti Village, located approximately five kilometers from PT Freeport Indonesia’s (PTFI) operational area in Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province.

Linus Natkime hoists the flag, Mila Magai carries the tray with the Red and White flag, and Alopinus Natkime unfurls it. On this day, they capture the full attention of the audience. The tension eases as Alopinus successfully spreads the Red and White flag with precision, while Linus raises it skillfully in harmony with the national anthem Indonesia Raya.

Their firm steps demonstrate that discipline and perseverance bring success. Hard work never betrays results. “We train every day to prepare for the flag-raising ceremony. We are deeply grateful that, on this Independence Day, the entire community can witness the Red and White flag fly here,” says Alopinus, who works daily in the fields.

From early morning, residents arrive from Banti 1, Banti 2, Opitawak, and Kimberly Villages, gathering at the Banti Village Field. At exactly 09:00 WIT, the ceremony begins with around 280 participants, comprising local residents, PTFI representatives, the Indonesian Military and Police, healthcare workers, and civil servants from the Mimika Regency Government.

During the ceremony, Tembagapura District Secretary Thomas Bauw acts as Ceremony Inspector, Deputy Commander of Banti Post Sergeant Junaidin serves as Ceremony Commander, and Tembagapura Military Command Chief Warrant Officer Simbolon serves as Ceremony Officer.

Sergeant Junaidin of Yonif 301/Pks Task Force, who trains the Banti Village Paskibra team, explains that the three youths are selected directly by the trainers for their strong determination. “We see their willingness to commit. When we set the training schedule from Monday to Saturday, they always come with full enthusiasm, and whenever they face challenges, they immediately report to us,” Junaidin states.

He adds that although Mila Magai and her peers initially have no marching experience, they show remarkable spirit in learning. “At first, they train basic drills such as marching in place and turning left and right. Once they master the basics, we move to the next stage—marching firmly and maintaining synchronized steps,” he explains.

Private Auliaurahman, another trainer for the Banti Village Paskibra, shares that discipline is emphasized from the beginning. “We agree to train from 07:30 to 10:30 WIT. Training lasts for about two weeks before the ceremony, six days a week, from Monday to Saturday,” he says.

Junaidin expresses admiration for their dedication. “As a trainer, I am proud to guide them, and they receive our instructions well. Once, one of them arrived late because he had to help his parents work, but afterward he still came to train with his peers. That level of commitment is extraordinary,” he notes.

Harmony in Tembagapura
PTFI’s Senior Vice President for Community Development, Nathan Kum, states that Freeport Indonesia holds Independence Day celebrations in Banti Village every year as part of its tradition of partnership with local communities.

Throughout early August, the company and residents organize various activities, including village clean-ups, painting village gates, installing Red and White flags throughout the village, hosting competitions for children and adults, and organizing basic commodities bazaars. The culmination is the flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 80th Independence of Indonesia, attended by residents of Banti Village and neighboring communities.

“This Independence Day ceremony strengthens nationalism, fosters togetherness, and demonstrates our ability to live harmoniously in diversity,” Nathan affirms.

Following the flag-raising, festivities continue with the symbolic cutting of the tumpeng (traditional rice cone), communal dining, awarding of competition prizes, distribution of door prizes, and a people’s festival featuring performances by the Banti youth band, PTFI employees, and a traditional Yosim Pancar (Yospan) dance presented by employees and healthcare workers from Waa Banti Hospital.

Nathan emphasizes that the success of this celebration reflects close collaboration between PTFI and the Tembagapura District Office, local Police and Military Command, as well as active involvement from employees across various divisions, teachers, healthcare workers, the Papuan Engineer Community, military task forces, and the Banti community.

PHOTO	CAPTION
	The flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia takes place solemnly on August 17, 2025, in the Papua Central Highlands, Banti Village, Mimika Regency.
	Three youth from Banti Village serve as the Flag Bearers during the Independence Day ceremony at the Banti Village field.
	(Right to left) Linus Natkime, Mila Magai, and Alopinus Natkime march firmly after raising the Red-and-White flag in the 80th Independence Day ceremony in Banti Village.
	(Left to right) Linus Natkime, Mila Magai, and Alopinus Natkime stand in perfect formation as they prepare to raise the national flag in Banti Village.
	With his courage, Alopinus (left) expresses confidence in his ability to unfurl the Redand-White flag high in the skies above Banti Village.
	Following the flag-raising ceremony, the celebration continues with a symbolic tumpeng-cutting event.
	The Yosim Pancar (Yospan) dance, performed by employees and medical staff of Waa Banti Hospital, closes the 80th Independence Day flag-raising ceremony in Banti Village.
	Red-and-White flags and banners line the main street of Waa Banti Village starting August 1, 2025.
	Volleyball and futsal tournaments organized by the 80th Independence Day Committee at PTFI draw enthusiastic participation from local youth on August 4-7, 2025.
	The spirit of independence shines through a children’s coloring competition in Banti Village on August 14, 2025.
	A sack race for children and a staple food bazaar enliven the Independence Day festivities in Banti Village on August 12, 2025.