The opening ceremony was attended by the Banyuwangi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Banyuwangi local government officials (Forpimda), representatives from the Banyuwangi Education Office, Pesanggaran subdistrict officials (Forpimka), village heads from across Pesanggaran, BSI management, as well as students and local community members.

BSI, a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk and the operator of the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi, launched two flagship programs at Rumah Pintar: free computer courses and English classes for students in grades 4–6 (elementary) and 7–9 (junior high). These programs are run by Yayasan Bina Sarana Indonesia as the managing partner. The learning facilities are fully equipped and comfortable, featuring six air-conditioned rooms—two for English, two for computer classes, one library, and one teachers’ room—along with supporting areas such as a kitchen, prayer room, and restrooms. Some students present at the inauguration tried out the learning tools, marking the beginning of the facility’s use.

Rumah Pintar is part of BSI’s Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM), implemented through eight pillars including education, health, income enhancement, economy, social and cultural development, environment, community institutions, and infrastructure. In education, the facility is projected to become a center for literacy improvement, digital skills, and vocational learning outside regular school hours.

“Children can learn comfortably here,” said BSI Director Riyadi Effendy. “We hope Rumah Pintar can make a positive contribution to the community.”

Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani welcomed the new facility, saying, “With the presence of Rumah Pintar, children can better understand digitalization and compete with peers from other regions. Students’ graduation education index is expected to improve, in line with the local government’s mission to enhance education through vocational programs. Thank you to BSI. May Rumah Pintar serve as a stepping stone for children in Banyuwangi to achieve a bright future, especially in the Pesanggaran area.”

In addition to inaugurating Rumah Pintar, Regent Ipuk and BSI signed the plaques for the newly renovated SDN 7 and SDN 9 Sumberagung, marking the completion of two other PPM education programs. The Regent also toured classrooms to ensure the quality of the renovations and their benefit to students.

BSI’s General Manager of Operations and Chief Mining Engineer, Roelly Fransza, added, “BSI’s spirit here is, if anyone asks where in Indonesia children can receive quality education, it is here in Banyuwangi.”

The Smart House is BSI’s first facility in Banyuwangi built with fully equipped learning amenities. With a combination of modern educational facilities, skill enrichment programs, and collaboration between local government, the community, and the company, Rumah Pintar is expected to serve as a crucial stepping stone for the future of Pesanggaran children.

Photos: Scenes of Rumah Pintar, including the exterior, classrooms, kitchen, and prayer room.
Main photo: Students trying out learning devices at Rumah Pintar on the inauguration day.

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The Affordable Market was organized by the Pani Gold Project in collaboration with the Gorontalo Regional Police (Polda) and the Indonesian Youth National Committee (KNPI) Gorontalo. Through this social initiative, the Pani Gold Project distributed 1,300 packages of essential goods. For only Rp50,000, residents could take home rice, sugar, tea, and canned fish—basic ingredients for daily needs.

“The company is here as part of the family,” said Mahesha Lugiana, CSR Manager of the Pani Gold Project.

The initiative was warmly welcomed by Buntulia Subdistrict Head, Saiful Hunta. “On behalf of the community of Buntulia, I would like to express our gratitude. With this program, people truly feel helped.”

“Alhamdulillah,” said Yurita, a resident of Palopo Village. “This affordable market helps provide kitchen needs at lower prices.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Ritnawati Ponio from Teratai Village: “This market helps ease our economic burden.”

Emi, a resident of Hele Hamlet, added: “I hope programs like this can be held more often so the community continues to benefit.”

The Affordable Market has been held several times by the Pani Gold Project, especially during Ramadan. This time, the initiative expanded to three different locations. Beyond the affordable goods, the market also became a gathering place where residents greeted one another, exchanged news, and shared stories while waiting in line.

In addition, this program—carried out in collaboration with the Gorontalo Regional Police and KNPI—also supports the Indonesian National Police’s initiative to strengthen national food security as mandated by the Government of Indonesia.

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On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the mosque’s management and congregation held a thanksgiving ceremony to mark the completion of the latest improvements, including the renovation of ablution and restroom facilities for men and women, as well as the construction of a connecting corridor leading from the purification area to the mosque’s main prayer hall. The upgraded facilities now appear cleaner and more organized.

Pohuwato Deputy Regent Iwan S. Adam, who attended the event, expressed his appreciation for the company’s support. “On behalf of the local government, we extend our sincere gratitude for this renovation,” he said. “The ablution area is now comparable to those in major city mosques.” He also encouraged the congregation to maintain the new facilities and voiced his hope that similar support would reach mosques at the subdistrict level.

Ramon Abdjul, Chairman of the mosque’s management board, noted that the Pani Gold Project has consistently supported renovations in stages. “We hope the company will continue these improvements, as they will enhance the devotion of our congregation,” he said.

The thanksgiving ceremony was also attended by Pohuwato Regional House Speaker Beni Nento, Provincial Assembly Member Muhammad Dzikyan, Assistant I for Government and Welfare Arman Mohamad, religious leader KH Fahri Djafar, and dozens of orphans from Sumayah Orphanage and Hidayatullah Islamic Boarding School. From the company, Pani Gold Project President Boyke P. Abidin and his management team were present.

“This is proof that the prayers of the Grand Mosque congregation have been answered,” Boyke said. “We ask for your prayers so that by March next year, the Pani Gold Project can begin production.” He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the local community. “Do not regard the company as outsiders. We are part of the people of Bumi Panua,” he added, referring to the local nickname for Pohuwato Regency.

In his brief sermon, KH Fahri Djafar reminded the congregation of the importance of gratitude, quoting Surah Ibrahim, verse 7. He urged worshippers to care for the newly renovated facilities so they can continue to benefit the community.

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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 scholarships were symbolically presented by Samsul Bahri Ilyas, a representative of Merdeka, during the Vulnerable Children’s Guardianship Session at the West Jakarta Administrative Mayor’s Office on August 23, 2024. “We believe every child deserves an equal opportunity to grow and achieve their dreams,” said Ilyas.

This event was held to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Indonesia, with Merdeka being directly invited by Rudi Margono, Head of the Education and Training Center of the Prosecutor’s Office. “This program not only supports outstanding students but also sets an example for other companies in fulfilling their social responsibility in education,” Margono commented.

In addition to scholarships, Merdeka also provided support for the development of school facilities and infrastructure to enhance educational amenities in various schools.

This initiative not only aims to ease the financial burden on students but also reflects Merdeka’s commitment to contributing to community development and welfare, particularly through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs focused on education and human resource development.

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IDEAS assessments focused on systematic, measurable, and sustainable communication strategies and programs, considering DEI and ESG policies or initiatives, strategies, tactics, clarity of goals, and their impact on stakeholders.

Several of Merdeka’s activities, such as the celebration of Women’s Day and Kartini Day, Green Operator, Female Forum, and the Bakti Merdeka volunteer activities, were important components in the evaluation. The implementation of external and internal communication, collaboration with stakeholders, and the use of social media and other digital channels were also critical factors in the assessment.

This year, from 118 competition entries, 65 entries from 47 institutions were selected in the ESG and DEI categories. Enthusiasm from participants this year increased compared to the previous year. “The positive response to participate in this competition shows that DEI and ESG practices are becoming more vital for every organization,” said Asmono Wikan, founder and CEO of PR INDONESIA.

“We hope the public will recognize Merdeka and our commitment as a mining company that provides ample space for diversity, equality, and inclusivity, which is reflected in various DEI policies and programs aligned with company values and supporting the achievement of the SDGs,” said Indriani Siswati, Deputy Head of Corporate Communication PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

This award boosts Merdeka’s spirit to continue fulfilling its commitment to creating an inclusive and sustainable work environment and making a positive contribution to society and the surrounding environment in accordance with the company’s values, GREATNESS. This success is the result of the hard work and dedication of the entire Merdeka team in consistently applying DEI and ESG values in every aspect of the company’s operations.

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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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This year, Bakti Merdeka is in collaboration with the Indonesian Children’s Cancer Foundation (YKAI), an institution that has assisted over 5,000 children with cancer from underprivileged families since 2018. YKAI provides support such as medicines, transportation, entertainment, and encouragement, not only to the young patients but also to their parents, partially made possible through partnerships with various entities, including companies like Merdeka.

The inaugural Bakti Merdeka event took place at Flix Cinema, SCBD, South Jakarta, on July 31, 2023. The agenda included Merdeka employees who had registered as volunteers playing games with the children from YKAI throughout the morning until noon. After lunch, the children returned to watch the movie Elemental (2023) together with their parents in the same screening room.

Bakti Merdeka was opened by Tom Malik, the General Manager of Corporate Communication at Merdeka. He expressed gratitude to the participating employees and was delighted that the number of registrants exceeded capacity. Out of 25 registrants, only 18 employees could participate. The children’s participation depended heavily on their medical schedules and health conditions. Due to the illness of two prospective participants, only 16 children took part on the day of the event.

The employees and children aged from 5 to 18 years then engaged in various games, either as individual teams or in groups with other partners. A series of games were held, from eating biscuits placed on foreheads using facial expressions only, to relaying small plastic balls with straws, and stacking plastic cups in a tiered manner. These teamwork-intensive games were carried out in a cohesive, fun, and warm atmosphere.

“I’m happy I got two prizes!” exclaimed Alvino (5 years old), who won the first two games while dancing around.

“The event was fun,” added Syifahliana (8 years old), the winner of the final game. “I also have a message: may the Merdeka’s volunteer always stay healthy.”

The event concluded with a donation of Rp25 million from Merdeka to support YKAI’s programs. The donation was presented by Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, the Chief of External Affairs at Merdeka, to Sallyana Sorongan, the Chairperson of YKAI.

“Everyone should be able to give back to our community,” said Boyke. “This togetherness needs to be continuously fostered in the future.”

The employees involved accompanied the children with joy in their hearts. Rizfa Rendo, an Estimating Manager at Merdeka Mining Services, accompanied Fariz, who was also 11 years old like his own child. “Today, I accompanied them during the games, and even though I lost, we were still happy,” he said. “Luckily, they remained enthusiastic. So, there’s more fun for everyone.”

“This event is heartwarming,” said Ni Luh Dila Wahyu Kinanti, a Project Engineer at Merdeka, who accompanied Alvino, who received the most prizes. “They are so adorable and cute.”

The collaboration with YKAI in Bakti Merdeka will continue until the end of 2023 with various activities and support, including book and gadget donations, knowledge sharing, storytelling, and medical transportation.

“With today’s event, the children are happy, and the parents are happy too,” said Yoldi Tuju, Vice-Chairman of YKAI. “It’s important for children with cancer to feel accepted, that they are entitled to good health and will continue to fight. Events like this strengthen their fighting spirit even more.”

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That afternoon, 16 March 2023, Henny was one of three speakers in the discussion that celebrated International Women’s Day one week earlier. The Inclusive Mindsets and Challenging Stereotypes discussion at Hard Rock Café Jakarta was held by Merdeka in collaboration with Women in Mining & Energy (WiME), a women’s advocacy organization in the mining and energy sector.

The discussion was opened by Titien Supeno, Merdeka Director, who is used to being in executive meetings which are always filled with men. “There are two types of barriers to women’s career advancement,” she says, “individual and institutional.”

Institutionally, Merdeka is serious about realizing its commitment to supporting women’s empowerment. The number of Merdeka women employees continues to increase and they occupy various positions, from heavy equipment operators, and exploration managers, to directors. As of 22 February 2023, there were 623 women employees at Merdeka, 8.5% of all employees—a steady increase from 573, 305, and 200 in 2022, 2021, and 2020.

In addition to various policies and facilities that support women, Merdeka also provides a whistleblowing system that includes grievances on sexual harassment and violence. “My job as management is, among others, to protect women workers,” said Titien. Regarding individual barriers, she added, “Don’t allow a mindset that belittles ourselves, because we are just as capable as men.”

The session continued with remarks from Maya Muchlis, the founder and Executive Director of WiME, who hoped that Merdeka would have more women leaders. “Because gender equality is not only a women’s problem,” she added before encouraging the discussion that will take place.

Apart from Henny, two other speakers in the discussion were Hikmawati, a Sustainability Specialist, and Balada Amor, a Senior Mining Specialist from The World Bank, the Energy and Extractives Global Practice section.

Hikmawati shared her experience implementing community development programs around mines using a gender approach. There has been a lot of research that says that the gender equality approach is a crucial contributor to sustainable development, not only within the scope of the company but also within the community. The involvement of women—more vulnerable to the social and environmental impacts of mining—in community development programs is crucial because women’s perspectives on sustainable development are more comprehensive. For example, according to Hikmawati, suggestions from male residents regarding social programs around the mine mainly were about infrastructure such as building roads and bridges. The involvement of women raises essential needs such as clean water and health. “Women’s involvement in development planning, both at the community and national levels,” said Hikmawati, “ensures that everyone’s needs are represented.”

Balada Amor agreed and discussed women’s issues from a global perspective. “When there are women’s voices in decision-making,” she said, “the economic empowerment is more successful.”

The 100 seats reserved for visitors that afternoon were filled with Merdeka and other companies’ women employees, plus several visitors from WiME and The World Bank. There were other Merdeka Group employees from its operation sites who joined the discussion via Zoom.

After the presentation session, the visitors enthusiastically asked questions. Questions revolved around career tips for women and further exploration of the speakers’ experiences, including what men need to do to make women more comfortable working in the mining sector.

“As long as we improve our knowledge in the field, self-confidence will grow along as expertise increases,” said Henny, responding to a question about career tips for women. “We need to be open and communicative with co-workers and seniors who are more experienced than us—exchanging ideas and absorbing knowledge.”

After two hours, the event finished at five in the afternoon. Dian Octavia, Sustainability Senior Manager for Merdeka Battery Materials, a subsidiary of Merdeka, said that the event which shows the Merdeka Group’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is very beneficial for Merdeka employees because “It encourages women to be more courageous to speak up and grow,” she said.

Salma Hanifia, Supervisor Contract Merdeka, was thankful for this event. “Very inspiring,” she said, “especially for us women who work in mining.”
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The Cooperation Agreement (PKS) was signed for securing the Wetar Copper Mine on 16 February 2023 by Boyke P. Abidin, Director of BKP-BTR, and Head of the Maluku Regional Police, Inspector General of Police Lotharia Latif at the Maluku Regional Police Headquarters, Ambon City.

“The Wetar Copper Mine has copper as well as other minerals that are crucial for making raw materials for the world’s electric vehicle batteries,” said Boyke P. Abidin. “Security of mining operations is very necessary.”

The security cooperation of the Wetar copper mine has been going on since 2018 and in this agreement, the period of the previous agreement which was two years changed to five years. This agreement refers to Merdeka’s Human Rights Policy and Police Regulation No. 7 of 2019 concerning Assistance in Security Services for National Vital Objects and Certain Objects. In this cooperation, the Wetar Copper Mine is included in the status of a Certain Object.

“The signing of the PKS is following President Joko Widodo’s directions during a meeting of the military and police leaders last week,” said the Inspector General of Police. Lotharia Latif, “so that the military and police will help secure the smooth running of mining operations.”

In the cost of security services that are in line with the Indonesian Police Index Norms, there is also an obligation to pay Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP). Through this collaboration, in addition to obtaining security guarantees, the Wetar Copper Mine also contributes to PNBP.

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