Timika. Mining giant Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is stepping up efforts to improve the welfare of its Indigenous Papuan employees and contractors, including through a mass civil marriage program that helps participants obtain official government recognition of their unions.

“The company recognizes the importance of legal marriage not only from an administrative standpoint but also to ensure the protection and well-being of employees and their families,” said Nathan Kum, Senior Vice President of Community Development at PTFI, in Timika on Tuesday.

In collaboration with the Mimika Civil Registry Office (Dukcapil), the program enables PTFI workers and contractors of Indigenous Papuan descent to obtain official marriage certificates issued by the state. These documents, Nathan explained, allow participants to access other essential records such as family cards, birth certificates, national ID cards, and social security benefits through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and BPJS Kesehatan.

“This initiative will help families register for education and health assistance, as well as pension programs,” Nathan said. “By securing these benefits, we hope to improve their quality of life and long-term welfare.”

The Mass Marriage Program was held on October 30, 2025, in Mimika, with 25 couples participating alongside close family members. The collaboration between the private sector and local government is part of ongoing efforts to promote administrative inclusion and demonstrate corporate attention to employees’ family welfare.

Damaris Tappi, Secretary of the Mimika Civil Registry Office, praised the partnership with Freeport. “Civil registration is a fundamental right for every Indonesian citizen,” Damaris said. “Once couples receive official marriage certificates, it becomes much easier for them to access public services such as BPJS and employment administration.”

One participant, Yulianus Kotouki, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. “We are so thankful to finally have our official documents,” he said. “It had been difficult to find the time to complete the paperwork, but with support from the company and Dukcapil, everything became possible.”

Since its introduction in 2009, Freeport’s Papuan Affairs Division (PAD) has organized similar mass civil marriage programs, with more than 200 employees and contractors participating to date. PAD oversees workforce development for Indigenous Papuans at PTFI and its partner companies, offering skills training and community development through the Nemangkawi Mining Institute (IPN).

These initiatives, Nathan added, reflect Freeport Indonesia’s long-term commitment to empowering Indigenous Papuans, ensuring that economic inclusion is matched by social and family well-being in communities surrounding its operations.

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