Knitting the Future of Society in Freeport Mining Area
28 February 2024
A PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) contractor, Tina Komangal (43), expressed her experience as a business partner of the mineral mining company has provided many lessons.
"I have learned many things since becoming Freeport Indonesia's business partner. I am grateful that even though I didn't attend school, I was mentored so that I could have my own business and the profits could be enjoyed with my family," Tina began her story as in a press release received by Kompas.com, Monday (12/2/2024).
On that afternoon, Tina wore a batik shirt and black pants, equipped with a vest and helmet as her personal protective equipment (PPE). This woman originating from Waa Banti Village, Tembagapura District, Mimika, is inspecting the chili plantation spread in the Mile Post-21 area, namely the Reclamation and Biodiversity Center managed by PTFI.
In the tailings reclamation and pilot areas, some tailings sedimentary land has been converted into productive land through various reclamation programs that include seasonal crop farming, horticulture, plantation crops, cattle breeding, forestry, and freshwater fisheries cultivation.
Tailing is the remaining sand from the ore processing process at PTFI's processing plant. This mining industry waste is deposited and managed in a designated area in a lowland area. Tina, who is an Amungme resident, has been working as a contractor at PTFI since 2012.
With eight other employees, she manages agriculture and greening in the area. Her duties include planting and caring for the tomatoes, chilies, string beans, eggplants, papayas, bananas, and various other fruits.
"Although the land (place) for planting is on tailings, the vegetables and fruits can grow well and are safe for consumption," said Tina.
Prior to joining PTFI, Tina worked as an Amungme Language Translator at Banti Hospital. "I used to help people from the mountain areas who needed medical assistance at the hospital. They have difficulty communicating with the hospital staff. I help them to relate their sick complaints to health workers," explained Tina, who claims that her previous profession helps her in communicating in the Indonesian language.
For nine years, Tina worked as an interpreter, until PTFI opened a training for aspiring entrepreneurs of the seven tribes around the mining area. "At Freeport, I learned to manage finances, set up a business, and manage employees. Freeport employees have (become) teachers for me, (they) accompanied me until I can work (independently)," she added with teary eyes.
Now, it's been 12 years since Tina partnered with Freeport. Thanks to her perseverance and hard work, she has managed to send her children to university, provide a healthy home for her family, and own her own vehicle. "All that I have today, I used to think was only available to people who have a higher education (university) . But actually, I can prove that I am capable," Tina said.
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