12 February 2024
Timika - “I have learned much since becoming a Freeport Indonesia partner, and I am grateful as even without benefit of schooling, I received mentoring and guidance and now I have my own business and I and my family can enjoy the proceeds thereof,” Tina Komangal (43) said as she began recounting her story.
On that day, Tina wore a batik shirt paired with black trousers, and donned personal protection gear (PPE) in the form of a vest and hard hat.
The woman hailing from the village of Kampung Waa Banti in Tembagapura District, Mimika was inspecting chili pepper crops growing in the MP-21 area, which is a Reclamation and Biodiversity Center run by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI).
At this tailings reclamation and pilot project area, parts of the tailings deposition area have been transformed into productive land through reclamation programs such as for growing seasonal crops and cash crops, horticultural cultivation, livestock farming, forest farming, and freshwater fisheries.
Tailings are residual waste from the processing of ore at the PTFI mill. Tailings are deposited and managed in a designated area in the lowlands.
Tina is a member of the Amungme Tribe, who has been working as a contractor for PTFI since 2012. She and her eight employees carry out farming and greening tasks, consisting of crop production for tomatoes, chili peppers, long beans, eggplants, papaya, banana and various other fruits.
“Although the soil on this cultivation land consists of tailings, vegetables and fruits are able to grow well and are safe for consumption,” she said.
Before joining PTFI, the young Tina was an Amungme language interpreter working at the RS Banti hospital to assist Amungme Tribe members.
“In the past I helped people from the highlands who were seeking medical treatment at the hospital. They faced difficulties in communicating with hospital staff. I assisted them in conveying to hospital workers the ailment they were suffering,” Tina said, confiding that this occupation led to her becoming proficient in the Indonesian language and speaking it well.
She worked as an interpreter for nine years, until PTFI offered training for aspiring entrepreneurs hailing from the seven tribes inhabiting areas near the mining operation site.
“At Freeport we learned how to handle finances, set up a business, and manage employees. The Freeport people were my teachers, assisting me until I could work on my own,” she said as tears brimmed in her eyes.
Now, ten years have passed since Tina became a Freeport partner. Thaks to diligence and hard work, Tina succeeded in putting her children through school to university level, providing a healthy home for her family, and owning a car.
“I thought those achievements were only possible for people who had received higher (university) education. But I was able to prove I could do it,” she said.
Like Tina, the life of Frederikus Okoare (42) has continued to improve since becoming a PTFI partner.
“Before I had an occupation, I thought of ways I could have a legitimate business. Then I participated in training provided by PTFI,” this man from the Kamoro Tribe recounted.
After a considerable length of time participating in training, Frederikus got a job as a contractor for PTFI’s environmental management.
Frederikus became a PTFI partner in 2013 and now employs 18 workers, all of whom are native Papuans.
“In the beginning I was tasked with planting sago, spruce trees, and mangroves,” he related.
Over time and with the partnership continuing, Frederikus and his team are now assigned to work at the Muara Ajkwa estuary to prepare tailings deposition land for a new mangrove area.
PTFI Director & EVP for Sustainable Development & Community Relations, Claus Wamafma says in running its mining operation, PTFI addresses development of the Amungme, Kamoro and 6 other kindred tribe communities as well as other native Papuans.
“Nearby communities in the mining area are our priority. We are continuing with various endeavors to ensure they continue to grow alongside PTFI, as they build their economy, and improve their quality of life,” Claus said.
Claus continued, in conducting its business PTFI is committed to implementing good mining practices, and making sustainable social and environmental investments.
“PTFI also engages in community development and empowerment programs for the native Amungme and Kamoro communities and the other five kindred tribes, namely the Dani, Damal, Mee, Moni and Nduga, under partnerships with other entities, ranging from the local government to customary organizations, foundations, and others,” he conveyed.
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Tina Komangal, an Amungme Tribe woman hailing from the village of Kampung Waa Banti in Tembagapura District, Mimika has been working since 2012 as a contractor for PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI). She and her eight employees operate a farming and greening business in the PTFI Reclamation and Biodiversity Center. |
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Tina runs an agricultural and greening operation in the PT Freeport Indonesia Tailings Reclamation and Biodiversity Center. |
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Tina Komangal ( second from right) who is from the Amungme Tribe with National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources, Vivi Yulaswati (left) at the tailings deposition area in the PT Freeport Indonesia Reclamation and Biodiversity Center, on Saturday (3/2). |
About PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a mineral mining company affiliated with FreeportMcMoRan (FCX) and Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID). PTFI extracts and processes ore to produce the mineral copper, which holds a gold and silver content.
PTFI markets its concentrate to all corners of the world, and primarily to the domestic smelter PT Smelting. PTFI’s mining operation is located in the Grasberg mineral district in Papua – Indonesia. Currently PTFI conducts the world’s biggest underground mining operation using the block caving method. In carrying out its operational activities, PTFI upholds and implements responsible business practices.
Contact Info
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Katri Krisnati |
Desy Saputra |
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
