Mosehe Wonua is a sacred customary ritual of territorial purification practiced by the Tolaki people, one of the ethnic groups of Southeast Sulawesi. The ritual aims to cleanse the self and the land, reconcile conflicts, and ward off misfortune by seeking protection from the Creator so that the region may be spared from harm.

The procession began solemnly with the Pengangkatan Adat, or the formal declaration of the ritual’s intent. Led by the To-ono Mo-tuo, or customary elders, of the Tolaki Customary Council, the ceremony involved the Vice Regent of Konawe, Syamsul Ibrahim, as the respected elder figure. The presence of customary leaders alongside government officials symbolized the harmony between traditional order and formal governance. Also in attendance were representatives of the Konawe Regency DPRD, officials from the regency and Routa Subdistrict governments, and village heads from across Routa.

Following the declaration, the ritual continued with a collective prayer. All participants bowed their heads in reverence. Holding hands or gently touching each other’s shoulders, they prayed together, offering hopes for the safety and well-being of the entire Routa community. The ritual then proceeded with a water-sprinkling procession. Water that had been prayed over was sprinkled onto those present, symbolizing inner purification and the cooling of the soul for every resident of Routa.

The climax of the Mosehe Wonua ritual was marked by the sacrifice of a buffalo. The blood that was shed symbolized atonement and the rejection of misfortune. Through this offering, the community sought to release negative energies and replace them with gratitude for the abundance bestowed upon the land of Routa.

The event was attended not only by residents and government representatives, but also by the private sector. The Head of Mine Technical of PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM), Didik Fotunadi, along with representatives of SCM contractors, took part in the ritual with deep respect, underscoring that industry and tradition can coexist in harmony.

In his remarks, Vice Regent Syamsul Ibrahim emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony between the community and companies operating in the area. “Mosehe Wonua purifies ourselves and our land so that we are kept away from misfortune. This is the first time in Routa’s history that Mosehe Wonua has been held,” he said. “I hope this ritual becomes a momentum to strengthen bonds with local communities, especially in Routa. We must work together to develop this area into a miniature of the most beautiful town in Konawe and Southeast Sulawesi.”

Echoing this sentiment, Routa Urban Village Head Ahmad stated that the collaboration between residents and the company to revive this nearly extinct ritual was a major step toward unity. “This event is sacred and is being held for the first time in Routa. It serves as a forum to unite all Routa residents,” he said. “If disputes arise, we should sit together and involve customary institutions. In Routa, we have always prioritized customary resolution for the sake of peace.”

From the industry perspective, Didik Fotunadi reaffirmed SCM, a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (IDX: MBMA), commitment to contributing to communities around its mining operations through various economic and infrastructure development programs. “Our contribution to the Mosehe Wonua event reflects our commitment to respecting local wisdom and cultural traditions in the communities surrounding SCM’s mining area in Routa,” he said. “As a ‘neighbour’ in Routa, we also need a safe and conducive environment so that our operations can continue to deliver positive contributions to community welfare. SCM will continue to work in synergy with local government and the community.”

As the ritual concluded and all prayers had been offered, a profound hope lingered on the Lalomerui field: that economic progress would never erode the noble values passed down by Tolaki ancestors. Routa now stands not only spiritually cleansed, but also ready to embrace a more harmonious future.

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The award was presented by Transmedia Director, Warnedy, to BSI’s Head of Mining Engineering, Roelly Fransza, at the 2024 CNN Indonesia Awards held at The Westin Hotel Surabaya on September 25, 2024. This year’s CNN Indonesia Awards carried the theme “From East Java, Towards Indonesia’s Glory,” recognizing local governments, state-owned enterprises, and private companies for their outstanding innovations.

“This award motivates us to continue bringing benefits to local residents and community groups, especially in the areas surrounding the mine,” said Roelly.

BSI’s social programs, implemented under the Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM), are aimed at empowering local communities. These initiatives include scholarships, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), public infrastructure development, as well as health and socio-cultural programs.

One of the successful initiatives is the construction of roads in Sumbermulyo and Rowojambe, extending to Pancer, along with village roads in Pesanggaran District. These infrastructure projects have improved community access and indirectly boosted social and economic activities.

The PPM programs are implemented not only in the immediate vicinity of the mine but also extend to neighboring areas, including Banyuwangi Regency. Since 2018 until 2023, BSI has invested more than IDR 156 billion to carry out these initiatives.

“We simply want to be good neighbors,” Roelly remarked. “Through the PPM, we aim to help the community become self-reliant, especially as the mine’s lifespan eventually comes to an end. We are grateful to the community and the government for their support, which has enabled us to receive this award.”

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Main photo:  BSI’s Head of Mining Engineering receives CNN Indonesia Awards 2024.

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MTI implements the Merdeka Cegah Stunting program in Makarti and Labota Villages, two villages around MTI’s operational area in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.. In collaboration with local health centers (Puskesmas and Puskesdes), the program provides supplementary nutrition for toddlers, promotes clean and healthy living habits, and supplies medical equipment. Health officials from Puskesmas and Puskesdes regularly monitor, evaluate, and enhance the program’s quality. In less than a year, the program achieved a remarkable reduction in stunting rates by over 50% as of December 2023.

Dr. (HC) Drs. A. Halim Iskandar, M.Pd, Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, presented the award to Heikal, CSR-Community Relation Supervisor at PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia, during the ceremony at The Westin Jakarta on May 7, 2024.

The CSR & PDB Awards, organized by the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Kemendesa PDTT) and the Indonesian Social Sustainability Forum (ISSF), aim to recognize outstanding social sustainability programs from companies across Indonesia. Through Merdeka Cegah Stunting, MTI contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for villages, particularly indicator 2.2, which focuses on eliminating all forms of malnutrition.

“We hope this award enhances MTI and the Merdeka Group’s positive reputation. It also motivates us to maintain the quality and success of other programs,” said Wachid Ramdanu Imandoyo, External Affairs Manager at PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia.

In addition to the Merdeka Cegah Stunting program, MTI engages in various initiatives supporting sustainable village development. Together with the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, MTI participates in regular waste clean-up along Labota Road, establishes waste disposal sites, and routinely cleans drainage systems.

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Main photo: Dr. (HC) Drs. A. Halim Iskandar, M.Pd, Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, presented the award to Heikal, CSR-Community Relation Supervisor at PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia).

Artikel Silver Awards for the Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia Stunting Prevention Program pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

The awards ceremony marked the culmination of Beritajatim.com’s 18^th-anniversary celebrations on May 2, 2024, in Surabaya, East Java. That evening, the media outlet, a primary reference for the people of East Java, recognized various inspirational figures, organizations, and corporations driving progress in various social fields.

“I am delighted,” said Sundarianto. “This is my first award, and I am grateful to everyone who has supported me.”

Sundarianto’s efforts began seven years ago when he, unable to tolerate the heaps of garbage around his home, rallied his friends from the Indonesian Youth of Etan Gladak Anyar (PEGA) to address the waste issue. In 2017, he started processing waste and cultivating maggots—black fly larvae used as an alternative animal feed ingredient. In 2019, his efforts received support in terms of tools and equipment from BSI.

Sundarianto’s maggot cultivation venture has since flourished. His waste processing activities expanded into other areas, including the development of solid and liquid organic fertilizers, leading him to frequently tour and promote organic farming.

“Now, many residents invite me to share knowledge about waste management and maggot cultivation,” said Sundarianto. Not confined to Banyuwangi, he has also been invited to Australia for waste management studies. He hopes his win at the Beritajatim Awards 2024 will inspire others to be more environmentally conscious.

“Hopefully, this innovation can improve welfare and enhance our competitiveness in the agricultural sector,” said Emil Dardak, the Deputy Governor of East Java, speaking to BSI during the awards ceremony.

Sundarianto’s affiliated group, PEGA, is nurtured by BSI under the Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM). Through PPM, BSI aims for sustainable community self-reliance. The collaboration with PEGA greatly aids BSI in managing food waste at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine. Following the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) principle held by the Merdeka Group, the food waste is repurposed as animal feed and a medium for maggot cultivation.

Like Sundarianto, PEGA activists continue to evolve. Apart from waste processing, they serve as trainers, consultants, and mentors in various waste management programs, including lecturing at universities within and outside Banyuwangi. PEGA was also among the top 10 nominees for the best participants in the Jagoan Tani 2023 event and represented Banyuwangi Regency in the assessment for the Healthy City award in the environmental category.

PEGA’s ongoing development stands as evidence of the success of BSI’s PPM program, reaffirming the importance of fostering partnerships and good relations with the mining community for sustainable community self-reliance.
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Main photo From left to right: Tom Malik (Corporate Communication General Manager PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk), Majid (Community Development PT Bumi Suksesindo), Iwa Mulyawan (Government Affairs Manager PT Bumi Suksesindo), Sundarianto (Local Hero Beritajatim Award 2024), Claudia Cornelia (Representative Media and Stakeholders Relation Officer PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk), and Indriani Siswati (Deputy Head of Corporate Communication).

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