Jakarta. Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) marked its 59th anniversary with a solemn reflection, honoring nine employees who lost their lives in separate incidents over the past year.

As part of the commemoration, PTFI’s management paid tribute to seven workers who died following a wet muck slide incident at the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mine on Sept. 8, 2025, as well as two employees who were killed in separate shooting incidents in February and March 2026.

“We remember them with deep sorrow and respect. Losing members of our family is profoundly painful for all of us. We hope that such incidents, whether landslides, shootings, or any events that endanger safety, will not happen again in the future,” PTFI President Director Tony Wenas said.

During the visit, Tony also inspected the Grasberg open pit and the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) underground mine, where he laid wreaths in honor of the victims. He encouraged employees to continue prioritizing safety in operations, while ensuring heightened security measures given PTFI’s status as a national vital object.

“As we mark our 59th year, PTFI reflects on a long journey as one of the longest-operating companies in Indonesia. Fifty-nine years is not a short time. Only a few companies, particularly foreign investments, have been able to endure this long in Indonesia,” he said.

In 2025, PTFI contributed around Rp 70 trillion to the state through taxes, royalties, dividends, and other revenues. The company also continues to deliver direct benefits to communities around its operational areas through social investment programs.

Tony added that PTFI’s social investment reached nearly Rp 2 trillion in 2025 and is expected to increase by around $100 million, or approximately Rp 1.5 trillion annually, until the end of mining operations. This commitment goes hand in hand with the company’s role in job creation, employing more than 30,000 workers, about 40% of whom are indigenous Papuans.

“Looking ahead, we are optimistic that our contributions will continue to grow, supported by relatively strong mineral commodity prices. At the same time, we consistently uphold strict safety and operational standards as part of our commitment to responsible mining practices,” he said.

PTFI’s operations are currently still in a recovery phase following the incidents, with production levels at around 40–50% of capacity. The company aims to return close to full production by the end of this year and reach full capacity in the early part of next year’s first quarter.

Tony emphasized that PTFI is strengthening safety measures in its underground mining recovery efforts, while also increasing security personnel in the Grasberg area to ensure safe and sustainable production.

“We are committed to delivering safe, secured, and sustainable production so that the greatest possible benefits can continue to be felt by the nation and the surrounding communities. We will continue to grow alongside the community until the end of our mining operations,” he said.

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