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 availability of internet access in Lalomerui is the result of collaboration between SCM and PLN Icon Plus, Regional SBU Sulawesi and Eastern Indonesia. Infrastructure development began in early January 2026, starting with the installation of fiber optic cables. PLN Icon Plus supplied poles and network infrastructure from the provincial road junction to Routa Sub-district, while SCM’s IT team ensured distribution reached key facilities throughout the village. With bandwidth capacity of up to 200 Mbps, the connection is designed to be stable and capable of supporting a wide range of activities, from video conferencing to access to government servers—services that were previously difficult to reach from the area.

The most immediate benefits have been felt in the education sector. Prior to the installation, teachers at SD Negeri Lalomerui and SMP Negeri 2 Routa had to travel for hours to the regency capital simply to submit administrative reports and update the national Education Data System (Dapodik) online.

The principal of SMP Negeri 2 Routa, Imran, described the internet access as a turning point for teaching and learning. “For the past several years, our digital learning materials were practically unusable because they required access to central servers. With free Wi-Fi now available, learning resources can be accessed easily,” he said. “We believe this will significantly boost students’ motivation to learn.”

Internet access has also improved efficiency in school operations. Previously, students of SMP Negeri 2 Routa had to travel to the regency capital to take national assessments. This year, the school is proud to be able to conduct the National Assessment independently on its own campus.

Village Head of Lalomerui, Taksir Unggahi, expressed hope that the facility would broaden local perspectives and open new economic opportunities. “We hope this internet access brings new knowledge to communities around the mining area, including ways to develop the village economy through digital platforms,” he said.

Despite the many benefits, SCM also emphasized the importance of responsible use of technology. During the official handover ceremony of the Village Internet Facility held at SCM’s Community Affairs Office in Lalomerui on 4 February 2026, SCM’s Head of Mine Technical , Didik Fotunadi, reminded the community that the internet has two sides. “Internet technology is like a double-edged sword. It shortens distances, but it also exposes users—especially children—to outside influences if not properly supervised,” he said. “We entrust this facility to be safeguarded and used positively, with guidance from teachers and parents.”

Following the signing of the handover documents, representatives of SCM management, together with its parent company PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk and the PLN Icon Plus team, visited beneficiary locations including the Lalomerui Village Office, SMP Negeri 2 Routa, and SD Negeri Lalomerui. Technical teams checked signal strength and ensured routers and cable installations met safety standards and were ready for sustainable operation. The visit was also attended by teachers from SD Negeri Lalomerui led by Ramlin, S.Pd., and local community leaders.

With the operation of this free internet service, Lalomerui Village has officially entered the digital era. The initiative demonstrates that geographical constraints are no longer a barrier to access to technology—and that collaborative efforts can bring meaningful change to classrooms hidden behind hills and forests in remote areas of Konawe.

Main photo: View of Lalomerui Village.

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The INSTAR 2025 Index serves as a form of appreciation for companies assessed as having implemented sustainable and integrity-driven business practices. The program is organized by Tempo Data Science in collaboration with Transparency International Indonesia (TII) and the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (ISI). These institutions play an important role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of business governance and democracy in Indonesia.

This year, INSTAR assessed 900 companies out of a total of 1,019 companies that published annual and sustainability reports, including issuers listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and non-listed state-owned enterprises. The assessment applied 47 indicators across four key dimensions: Social and Human Rights, Environment, Business Integrity, and Corporate Resilience. Companies scoring 80 or above receive the Verified Badge, while those exceeding the assessment threshold but not yet reaching a score of 80 receive the Committed Badge.

Participating in the INSTAR assessment for the first time, PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk achieved an index score of 83.75, making it the only mining company in Indonesia to receive the INSTAR Verified Company Badge in 2025. Meanwhile, PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk recorded a total index score of 79.82, an increase of 16.67 percent from its 2024 score of 68.42.

The awards on behalf of the Merdeka Group were accepted by Tom Malik, Head of Corporate Communication of Merdeka. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Investment Todotua Pasaribu and Deputy Commissioner for Financial System Stability at the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Agus E. Siregar, who emphasized the importance of integrity and sustainability in national business practices.

The INSTAR 2025 awards reflect the results of an independent assessment of the companies’ governance and sustainability practices. This achievement serves as a reference for the Merdeka Group to continue evaluating and strengthening its business integrity practices and sustainability reporting going forward, in line with evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations.

Main photo: Tom Malik, Head of Corporate Communication, receives the INSTAR Verified Company Badge on behalf of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk. Second photo: Tom Malik, Head of Corporate Communication, receives the INSTAR Committed Company Badge on behalf of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk. Third photo: Representatives of companies receiving the INSTAR Committed Badge.

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Merdeka was represented throuh the exhibition booth of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk and PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk. The booth featured videos, posters, and infographics highlighting ESG and Sustainability achievements across Merdeka’s operational areas. To engage visitors and deliver sustainability messages in an enjoyable way, the booth also offered interactive activities such as a Dart Game and a photobooth. The visit by Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, to Merdeka’s booth underscored the government’s appreciation for Merdeka’s commitment as a responsible mining group that embraces sustainability principles.

In addition to the booth, Merdeka also participated in a talk show titled “Building a Competitive Ecosystem Aligned with Economic Growth, Environmental Preservation, and Sustainability.” Representing Merdeka, Bahtiar Manurung, ESG and Climate Change Manager, spoke about the company’s role in supporting energy resilience through the mining of critical metals and minerals—such as copper, gold, and nickel—which are essential raw materials for renewable energy technologies including wind, solar, and hydro power generation, as well as electric vehicle batteries. Through these contributions, Merdeka supports the clean energy transition by enabling a supply chain that powers the renewable energy industry.

Bahtiar also emphasized that Merdeka is a responsible energy user and applies sustainability principles across all of its operational. The company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices has earn recognition from international ESG rating agencies such as MSCI, Sustainalytics, and CDP, as well as inclusion in two KEHATI-IDX ESG Indexes.

Merdeka Group’s participation in the 2025 WED Exhibition reflects the company’s commitment to responsible environmental management and its contribution to energy resilience through the supply of critical minerals for the clean energy transition.

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This annual award program, organized by TopBusiness magazine in collaboration with various CSR associations, consulting firms, and strategic partners, has become a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Indonesia. The 2025 event was held under the theme: “CSR for Sustainable Business Growth and Asta Cita Government Program.”

Participation in this year’s awards increased significantly. Of nearly 1,000 eligible companies, 238 registered, and 218 completed the full assessment, marking a 20.2% increase from 2024.

MTI’s recognition is closely tied to its effective implementation of Creating Shared Value (CSV) and adherence to ISO 26000 on Social Responsibility, embodied in various strategic programs. One of the highlights is BUMILOKA, a flagship initiative implemented in Makarti Jaya Village, Morowali Regency.

BUMILOKA is a collaborative effort between MTI and local Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) to empower farmers and micro-entrepreneurs by modernizing agricultural tools and establishing supply partnerships with company vendors. In just six months, the program helped BUMDes generate Rp1.2 billion in revenue, directly increasing individual incomes and the village’s original revenue (PADes).

The program also supports several national development goals: Asta Cita Goal 6: Economic equality and poverty alleviation; Presidential Priority Program 2024–2029 Goal 14: Economic equality and SME empowerment; SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth; and SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production.

At the award ceremony held on June 11, 2025, at Raffles Hotel Jakarta, Diaz Vatriando expressed his gratitude. “I dedicate this award to the entire MTI team who have worked with full dedication and heart,” said Diaz. “We believe that business growth and sustainability can only be achieved by making a real contribution to the community.”

Further testimony came from Zul Masrika’il, Director of BUMDes Sejahtera Bersama Makarti Jaya Village, a key program partner. “This program is proof of the company’s presence in driving the BUMDes economy. We can contribute to increasing PADes for the village’s operational programs,” said Zul. “We hope the program continues to grow through improved quality and expanded partnerships, ultimately enhancing community welfare.”

Wachid Ramdanu Imandoyo, MTI’s External Affairs Manager, also shared his appreciation. “This award motivates us to maintain determination and positive energy in advancing sustainable business operations,” said Wachid.

MTI’s CSR programs like BUMILOKA reflect the company’s serious commitment to creating shared value in rural communities. The initiative also plays a role in MTI’s food crisis risk mitigation strategy, especially since Morowali is a disaster-prone region.

MTI’s success at the 2025 TOP CSR Awards clearly demonstrates the company’s critical role in supporting social and economic transformation through targeted and sustainable social investment.

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The award was presented to the 90 highest taxpayers registered across nine tax service offices under the jurisdiction of the South Jakarta II Regional Office. Thanks to contributions from taxpayers, including MBM and MTI, the South Jakarta II DJP successfully collected IDR 67.5 trillion in tax revenue in 2023, exceeding the national budget target at 103%.

“We extend our appreciation to the top contributing taxpayers and media partners who have supported our tax publications,” said Neilmaldrin Noor, Head of the South Jakarta II DJP, during his remarks.

The award, presented by Neilmaldrin Noor, was accepted by Albert Saputro, President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, on behalf of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, and Anatoly Bong from the tax team of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, who received the award on behalf of PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia. This marks the first time MBM and MTI have been recognized as top taxpayers.=

“We are very grateful for this recognition,” said Albert Saputro. “This award motivates us to continue making positive contributions to Indonesia’s development, particularly through tax compliance and active participation in strengthening the nation’s economy.”

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Main Photo: Albert Saputro, President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, representing PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, receiving the tax award at the Tax Gathering 2024.

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At the festival, Merdeka Group showcased an exhibition booth representing PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk and PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (MBM). The booth featured posters, videos, infographics, and various mineral samples, highlighting Merdeka’s sustainability performance and how the company optimizes every mined mineral to create valuable products, especially for the global electric vehicle industry. The booth also hosted recycling workshops, transforming used cans into plant pots and leftover textile materials into tote bags.

On the second day of the festival, three speakers from Merdeka Group participated in a talk show titled “Optimizing the Integrated Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chain to Support Global Energy Transition and National Decarbonization Agenda.”

Muhammad Toha, General Manager of Compliance, began the discussion by emphasizing Indonesia’s significant potential in the nickel industry, which accounts for 23.7% of the world’s nickel reserves. He explained how MBM utilizes new technology to process low-grade nickel that was previously considered unvaluable. MBM’s business assets, such as the Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM) nickel mine, the AIM (Acid, Iron, Metal) Plant, and the advanced smelting technologies being developed, including the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) and High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) facilities, will play a critical role in supporting the global energy transition.

Bahtiar Manurung, Sustainability Manager, continued by outlining Merdeka Group’s commitment to sustainability through clear and comprehensive policies, strategies, and governance. He stressed the importance of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 for Scope 1 and 2 and highlighted the development of the Climate Change Policy. Merdeka Group has also purchased Renewable Energy Certificates from PT PLN (Persero), ensuring that 100 percent of the electricity for the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine now comes from renewable energy sources. Additionally, solar panels have been installed at the Wetar Copper Mine, and a 35% biodiesel blend is being used for operational vehicles across all of Merdeka Group’s mining sites.

Eben Ezer Sirait, Environmental Manager, concluded the session by discussing Merdeka Group’s innovative and sustainable environmental management practices. He explained how Merdeka adopts a circular approach in its business by utilizing residual ore from the Wetar Copper Mine as feedstock for the AIM Plant. This plant produces sulfuric acid and saturated steam, which will be used at the HPAL plant. The use of by-products from ore processing at the Wetar Copper Mine is a form of mineral conservation—while also conserving the environment, as the once environmentally burdensome acid-containing ore is now processed into valuable raw materials.

Merdeka Group’s participation in LIKE 2 Festival reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and its active role in the global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. This involvement aligns with the festival’s spirit, which underscores the importance of balancing industry with conservation for the future.

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In his speech, “Nickel Mining in Indonesia: Community and Environmental Awareness”, Dr. Sahami underscored the mounting scrutiny on the ESG aspects of Indonesia’s nickel industry in order to produce nickel responsibly in support of the global energy transition. He outlined strategies to meet these expectations, including embracing global sustainability standards and fostering robust engagement with stakeholders.

Dr. Sahami subsequently presented MBM’s Sustainability Strategy, which is anchored by two fundamental pillars: Respecting Human Rights and Ensuring Safe and Ethical Operations. These pillars underpin three strategic priorities: Responsible Mineral Resource Development; Building a Sustainable and Resilient Value Chain; and, Contributing to the Low-Carbon Economy.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sahami emphasized the critical role of science-based assessments in effectively identifying and managing the industry’s environmental and human health impacts and risks.

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The joint venture project between PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (IDX: MBMA) and GEM Co, Ltd is being constructed and operated by PT ESG New Energy Material (PT ESG) and will serve as a strategic asset for MBMA, a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

“The HPAL project by PT ESG marks a significant milestone in MBMA’s development towards becoming a global supplier of battery raw materials in support of the global transition to clean energy,” said Devin Antonio Ridwan, President Director of MBMA. “The HPAL production targets the American and European markets, while targeting to meet US IRA requirements and European carbon tariffs.”

Positive developments for the HPAL project at PT ESG began with the signing of a loan agreement worth US$490 million in April 2024 from leading domestic and regional banking institutions to fund the HPAL construction with a nameplate capacity of 30,000 tonnes of nickel in the form of Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate per year.

In early June 2024, PT ESG completed the project design and construction of the HPAL foundation located in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), Morowali, Central Sulawesi. PT ESG also installed a high-pressure Autoclave with a capacity of 1,168 m³, which is one of the largest Autoclaves in the world.

The PT ESG HPAL project utilizes third-generation HPAL technology to extract raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese more efficiently to produce mixed hydroxide precipitate, nickel cobalt manganese oxide, high-nickel ternary precursor, and ternary cathode materials, all of which are critical raw materials for electric vehicle batteries.

The construction process of PT ESG’s HPAL proceeded swiftly. The Autoclave, a key equipment in HPAL, was completed and installed within eight months from the start of construction. If operational targets are met, this construction process will serve as a benchmark for the fastest completion of a nickel laterite HPAL project in the world.

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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).

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