With the score improvement, PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk has also maintained its position as the leader for Sustainalytics’ ESG risk rating among Indonesian companies in the diversified mining industry within the comprehensive assessment category. This achievement reflects Merdeka’s robust ESG risk management, which includes policies, programs, and practices with strong management accountability and oversight of ESG issues.

Morningstar Sustainalytics, a leading ESG rating agency with more than 30 years of experience, is focused on delivering innovative solutions that enable the world’s leading institutional investors to identify, understand, and manage ESG-driven risks and opportunities.

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Minister of ESDM, Arifin Tasrif, hopes that this event can optimize the CDE programs amid the myriad challenges faced by the mining industry, including social issues, environmental concerns, global warming, and the adoption of eco-friendly energy sources.

This subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk received recognition for its outstanding performance in 2022 in Circular Economy-Based Waste Processing. Collaborating with PEGA Indonesia, a youth group situated in the Siliragung area, BSI spearheaded environmental initiatives. The youth transformed the company’s organic waste into maggot feed (Hermetia illucens larvae). This partnership served as a solution for BSI in managing food waste from the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine. Maggots, efficient decomposers of organic matter like food waste, are nutrient-rich and serve as excellent livestock feed.

The award for implementing community empowerment placed BSI among 25 other recipients, selected from 51 mineral mining companies.

“BSI has been implementing CDE programs for the communities around our mining site since our establishment in 2012,” stated Cahyono Seto, Director of BSI, during the award ceremony held at Ballroom Bhirawa, Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta, on December 8, 2023. “The realization of CDE programs isn’t just about the quantity of initiatives but also the significant impact these programs have on the community.”

BSI’s primary target for its CDE program is the communities in Ring 1 of the Pesanggaran district, encompassing five villages: Sumberagung, Pesanggaran, Sumbermulyo, Kandangan, and Sarongan. Expanding its scope, BSI included an additional 12 targeted villages in the Siliragung and Pesanggaran districts. Throughout its programs, BSI consistently collaborates with various institutions such as village administrations, educational bodies, and community groups.

This accolade signifies not only the positive benefits of BSI’s community programs but also the acknowledgment by the government.

Besides BSI, PT Sorikmas Mining which is owned by one of Merdeka’s shareholders, Provident Capital Indonesia, also received an award in the category of Educational Implementation through the Sharing Core Competency Company initiative.

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This handover completes BSI’s compensation land obligation with a total area of 1,990.79 hectares, surpassing the obligation of 1,985.72 hectares, making it the largest compensation land handed over by a private institution to the government.

The compensation land was allocated by BSI following the government’s issuance of a 992.86-hectare Forest Area Borrowing Permit (IPPKH) for the operations of Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in the Tujuh Bukit Pesanggaran area of Banyuwangi. As per regulations, the company was required to reforest compensation land with diverse vegetation. For Java Island, the required compensation land area is twice the size of the IPPKH area. The land handover was contingent upon successful plant growth, with a minimum 75% success rate. The BSI compensation land is divided into two locations, Bondowoso, East Java, and Sukabumi, West Java, and has been handed over in stages since July 12, 2020.

BSI’s success in managing and handing over compensation land has received high appreciation from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. BSI received an award as an Inspirational Private Company for Reforestation and Compensation Land in 2019 and was the first mining company to hand over compensatory land on Java Island in 2020.

In managing the compensatory land, BSI involved the local community as workers in planting and maintaining reforestation plants. Throughout the management of the compensatory land, BSI also contributed to the surrounding community through basic food assistance, sacrificial animals, the construction of public facilities and drilled wells, and emergency disaster response.

“BSI always prioritizes environmental management by government regulations. The success of reforesting compensation land is clear evidence of our seriousness in environmental management,” said Adi. “We are proud to be able to achieve the targets set by the government within the specified time.”

Based on plant growth percentages, BSI’s reforestation efforts achieved 100% success in Bondowoso and 86% in Sukabumi, thus declaring overall success. The assessment was conducted by a joint team from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Forestry Service, and Perhutani.

“The rehabilitation efforts we’ve undertaken contribute to reducing deforestation rates in Indonesia,” said Ir. Dyah Murtiningsih, M.Hum, Director General of Watershed Control and Forest Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, during the Exposure Meeting of Assessment Results and Handover of Planting Results in the Context of Watershed Rehabilitation and Reforestation on Compensated Land.

The management and handover of BSI compensation land reaffirm the sustainability commitment of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, which has the highest ESG rating in Indonesia in the MSCI Diversified Metals and Mining category. Apart from excelling in environmental performance, Merdeka remains committed to sustainable social programs and good corporate governance.

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ASRRAT is organized by the National Center for Corporate Reporting (NCCR), the first independent organization in Indonesia to utilize the term “sustainability report” and develop it. Held at the Raffles Hotel in Jakarta on November 6, 2023, the event had the theme “Navigating the Path to Net Zero: Accelerating Climate Action in Asia” and featured participation from 68 companies, including those from Bangladesh, the Philippines, Australia, and Russia.

The ASRRAT 2023 assessment team consisted of five judges and 18 certified assessors who evaluated sustainability reports based on the level of compliance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, Financial Services Authority Regulation No. 51/POJK.03/2017, and GRI Disclosure Sector Standards. NCCR assigns four ranks for sustainability reporting, with Platinum as the highest, followed by Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

“We are very proud that the quality of Merdeka’s Sustainability Report has received recognition and a high appraisal from NCCR,” said Albert Saputro, President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.” This award will further enhance our commitment to reporting sustainability performance transparently and with the highest quality..”

Ali Darwin, the NCCR Executive Board Chairman, expressed gratitude to all the companies participating in ASRRAT 2023. “Your dedication to transparency, accountability, commitment, and initiatives to measure and mitigate environmental and social impacts are truly inspiring,” he said. “Your sustainability reports provide valuable insights into progress in reducing emissions, conserving resources, and promoting social justice.”

The ASRRAT award is part of a series of sustainability achievements for the Merdeka Group. In August 2023, PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, a subsidiary of Merdeka, also received the TrenAsia ESG Award 2023 in the Action category for the nickel company sector. This award recognizes MBM’s commitment and performance in applying environmental, social, and good governance principles and developing sustainable products to support global energy transformation.

Furthermore, since October 2023, Merdeka’s ESG rating has improved from BBB to A. This rating upgrade makes Merdeka the only mining company in Indonesia to receive an A rating in the Diversified Metals and Mining MSCI category.

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 Main photo: Asia Sustainability Reporting Rating (ASRRAT) 2023 awards ceremony.

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“We are very proud that Merdeka’s ESG commitment and performance have been recognized and highly rated by prestigious global institutions like MSCI,” said Albert Saputro, President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk. “This rating upgrade reaffirms Merdeka’s excellence as a mining company that prioritizes sustainability, aligning with our vision to become a global leader in the Indonesian mining and metals industry.”

Merdeka consistently strives to achieve superior environmental performance and bolster its social actions through continuous improvements in its environmental and social management systems.

On the social front, Merdeka ensures the safety and health of its employees and the surrounding community, including providing fair compensation and protecting their rights. Merdeka is committed to respecting and upholding human rights and supports the well-being of communities through its Community Empowerment and Development (PPM) programs, especially those in the vicinity of its corporate operations, as stated in its Merdeka’s Human Rights Policy, Sustainability Policy, and Merdeka Community Policy.

Merdeka also pays attention to and complies with the principles of Good Corporate Governance (GCG), ensuring that corporate governance, organizational structure, policies and regulations, and company activities align with Merdeka’s commitment to being a leading mining company in Indonesia.

“We don’t want to be complacent with this achievement,” said Albert. “The company will continue to enhance its ESG performance in the future, aiming to inspire the mining sector in Indonesia to advance further in its commitment and implementation of sustainability in its operational activities.”

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Merdeka will gradually distribute 650 thousand liters of clean water. The symbolic aid distribution took place during the closing of the 2023 BAZNAS National Coordination Meeting at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, on Friday, 22 September 2023, by Dinia Widodo, Merdeka’s Corporate Communication Manager, to Ahmad Fikri, BAZNAS Director of Distribution. “Today we begin the distribution at our first designated point,” said Dinia.

Later that afternoon, an initial 12 thousand liters of clean water was distributed to affected communities in Cengkareng Barat Subdistrict, West Jakarta, reaching over 500 households or approximately 1,500 individuals in the RW 5 area. The clean water, transported by water tank trucks, was stored in reservoirs prepared by BAZNAS to facilitate distribution to the residents.

“We appreciate Merdeka’s assistance through BAZNAS in reaching the affected residents,” said Saidah Sakwan, MA, Head of BAZNAS RI for Distribution and Empowerment.

“As a company devoted to sustainability, Merdeka is always prepared to contribute, including alleviating the burden of residents facing a shortage of clean water,” stated Tom Malik, General Manager of Corporate Communication at Merdeka. “This is in line with Merdeka’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 regarding clean water and proper sanitation.”

Setting high standards in environmental, social, and governance performance, Merdeka believes that corporate sustainability is not only about profit and business efficiency but also encompasses various vital aspects of community life, including access to clean water and proper sanitation.

“On behalf of the residents,” stated Berliantoro, the Head of Cengkareng Barat Subdistrict, “I express gratitude for the clean water assistance provided by Merdeka, in collaboration with BAZNAS. We sincerely hope that positive programs like this can continue in the future.”
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Main Photo: Distribution of the first 12 thousand liters of clean water in West Jakarta (Photo: Krisnaya Widodo/Merdeka).

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Since its inception in 2021, MYTP has seen three cohorts, with the number of participants steadily increasing each year—from 10 individuals in 2021 to 28 and 31 individuals in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

“I am proud to be part of MYTP. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about complex mining projects from experts in their respective fields,” said Wanda Nirmala Santoso, a member of MYTP’s inaugural cohort, who now works as a Junior Mechanical Engineer for the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project in Banyuwangi, East Java.

“The challenging MYTP recruitment process was an excellent way to test my skills and knowledge,” said Anisa Fakhira Mulya, reflecting on her MYTP journey in 2022. As an MYTP Trainee, Anisa works in Operational Readiness at the Merdeka headquarters in Jakarta. “I am enthusiastic and committed to making a positive impact on this industry,” she added.

MYTP is open to participants from various mining-related study programs. Anyone with a maximum age of 25 years for bachelor’s graduates and up to 27 years for master’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.3, can apply. Registration for MYTP 2023 will be closed on 30 September 2023 and selected candidates will be informed via email to take the online test on 2–6 October 2023. Participant selection will occur from mid-October to December 2023. For more detailed information about MYTP, please visit this page.

“Merdeka highly regards participants that show potential to be future leaders,” said Firdausya Adhwa Tastama, part of MYTP’s second cohort, serving in Technical Services for the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project. Her advice to prospective participants: “Be yourself and practice before the exams and interviews.”

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Main photo: Anisa Fakhira Mulya, Operational Readiness PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

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The Tujuh Bukit Copper Project, located beneath the surface of the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine, is one of the world’s largest untapped copper reserve mining projects. Since 2018, Merdeka has made significant investments in developing this project. These investments include underground exploration of 1,890 meters, resource-defining drilling, geological modeling, and ongoing technical studies.

“The Tujuh Bukit Copper Project is a long-term mining project, spanning approximately 30-40 years. A large and reliable power supply is crucial to support mining activities that are expected to increase Indonesia’s copper production by 10% to 15%,” said BSI Director, Riyadi Effendy, commonly known as Teddy.

“PLN Jatim is ready to support the electricity needs of BSI’s mining operations, which is the largest PLN customer in East Java. The development of the power supply network for the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project will also increase the electricity supply to the communities in South Banyuwangi,” added Agus Kuswardoyo, General Manager of PLN East Java.

PLN Jatim will gradually deliver high-voltage electricity to BSI starting in 2026, with a total connected capacity of 280 megawatts over a span of 23 years.

“PLN is always ready to support the development of strategic industries like the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project, which will generate significant employment and contribute to the economic growth of Banyuwangi Regency,” said Edi Srimulyanti, Director of Retail and Commerce at PT PLN (Persero).

Both parties welcome the collaboration that will ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the development of the mining industry in Indonesia.
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This agreement marks the beginning of the utilization of electricity for the Pani Gold Project, which is poised to become one of Indonesia’s major primary gold mines. The project boasts mineral resources of 275.8 million tonnes with a gold grade of 0.75 g/t, containing 6.63 million ounces of gold.

The agreement was signed by Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, the President Director of PT Gorontalo Sejahtera Mining (GSM), one of the companies managing the Pani Gold Project, and Johannes Avilla Ari Dartomo, the General Manager of PT PLN (Persero) UID Suluttenggo, on August 24, 2023, at the headquarters PT PLN (Persero) in Jakarta. This agreement makes GSM the largest electricity customer in the Pohuwato Regency.

Boyke emphasized that Merdeka Group’s experience in managing the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine, which has been operational since 2017 in Banyuwangi, East Java, provides insight into how the Pani Gold Project will be managed in the future. “We will prioritize environmental considerations, community involvement, and employ a significant workforce from Pohuwato,” Boyke stated.

The signing was also witnessed by the Regent of Pohuwato, Saipul A. Mbuinga, who warmly welcomed the presence of the Pani Gold Project, acknowledging its substantial contribution to the local economy of Pohuwato Regency. “I hope that everything proceeds smoothly until its realization in the field,” he expressed.

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At the Jakarta headquarters, starting a week before the celebration day, various activities are organized for the employees of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, ranging from traditional costume contests, pizza eating, to ping pong matches, PlayStation football, and various online games. There’s also the Merdeka Talent competition with participants from various Merdeka subsidiaries spread across three islands in Indonesia.

At mining operations and projects, sports take the spotlight. At the Wetar Copper Mine, there are volleyball, ping pong, and badminton tournaments. At the Pani Gold Project, alongside futsal and chess matches, unique contests for the 17th of August celebration are held: inserting straws into bottles from the back and the most physically demanding in a short time: tug of war. While the announcement of competition winners at the Jakarta headquarters takes place on August 16th, 2023, in various mining operations and projects of the Merdeka group, the announcement is made after the flag ceremony on Independence Day, an event held annually at each operational area and project site.

This year is exceptional for PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI), which manages the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine and Tujuh Bukit Copper Project in Banyuwangi, East Java. This year, the independence celebration coincides with BSI’s 11th anniversary, coupled with two significant achievements: gold production of 1 million ounces since 2017, and recording 20 million work hours without Lost Time Injury—a work-related injury that halts employee activities.

A number of senior management, directors, and commissioners are present among the employees, including Commissioners of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk: Yoke Candra and Sigit Sukirno Sudibyo; President Director of BSI, Adi Sjoekri; General Manager of Operations (GMO) BSI, Roelly Fransza; and Deputy GMO BSI, Kieran Rich.

“We are confident that the improving company conditions will bring greater benefits to employees and their families, the surrounding environment, and of course, our beloved Indonesia,” said Adi Sjoekri.

Apart from appreciating BSI’s achievements, Roelly Fransza emphasizes the link between production achievements and workplace safety. He likens it to a situation where work without safety is a loss, while safety without work is wasteful. “The culture of safety is not just for our own well-being but also an expression of our love for our families,” he added.

All employees, families, and associates of BSI enjoy various facilities, from children’s playgrounds to diverse food stalls. The event is also enlivened by musical performances, including a showcase by the Kuwung Wetan traditional arts group.

Merdeka Group’s various Indonesian independence celebrations simultaneously reflect the spirit of continuous growth through safety-focused collaboration, embodying the cherished values of Merdeka.

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