Central Papua Governor Appreciates Eye Health Community Service Benefitting Nabire Community
Nabire, August 14, 2025 – Governor of Central Papua Province, Meki Nawipa, has expressed his appreciation for PT Freeport Indonesia’s social initiative in Nabire (August 5—13, 2025). The community service included Free Eye Education and Check-ups for students at SMP Negeri 1 and SMP Negeri 4 Nabire, Distribution of Free Glasses for Students, as well as Cataract Surgeries for the community.
“Eye health is important. If children’s vision is impaired, it will be a big problem. They need to be educated early on about how to take care of their eyes. Thank you, Freeport Indonesia, the education and the glasses are vital, and the community benefits directly from this activity,” said the Governor during his speech at the peak of the community service event in Nabire on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The Governor added that Freeport Indonesia’s social initiative is a significant effort to ensure the health of Central Papua’s residents, particularly eye health. He added that Freeport Indonesia’s community service is a significant effort to ensure the health of Central Papua’s people, particularly eye health. This community service is truly a work that serves the people who need it the most.
“A huge thank you to the doctors and nurses who have served the community. We must support Freeport Indonesia because they help so many. I hope this community service continues in other areas of Central Papua,” he said.
The education and eye examinations took place on August 5-6, 2025, at SMP Negeri 1, then on August 7-8, 2025, at SMP Negeri 4. Cataract surgeries took place on August 11-13, 2025, at Nabire Regional General Hospital and Rihensa Eye Clinic.
The activity was a collaboration between PTFI, the Central Papua provincial government, Nabire district government, RSUD Nabire, the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (PERDAMI) Papua, and the Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK). A total of 1.043 students underwent eye examinations, 487 students received free glasses, and 80 people underwent cataract surgery.
Director & Executive Vice President (EVP) of Sustainable Development at PTFI, Claus Wamafma, emphasized that the community service reflects the company’s commitment to tackling eye health issues in Nabire, the capital of Central Papua. There are plans for a second phase to continue these efforts, ensuring more people receive benefits and providing ongoing care.
“In line with the celebration of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day and in support of government programs, PTFI is holding a social service in Nabire. This is an effort to ensure children have healthy vision from an early age. When eyes are healthy, they can read and learn properly, perform well academically, and in the long run, can make a difference in Papua,” said Claus.
The Vice Principal of SMPN 1 Nabire noted that the students were very enthusiastic about the eye examinations. “We thank Freeport, PERDAMI, and especially the Education Department for recommending our children participate in the free eye checks. Because there are still many children in Papua and parents who have yet to realize how important it is to have their children’s eyes checked,” said Theresia.
One of the cataract surgery patients, PS Waromi, shared that he had struggled with his vision for years. The elderly Pastor expressed his gratitude after undergoing surgery at RSUD Nabire. “The cataracts I’ve had for so long are finally gone. I hope that after the full eye check, I’ll be able to read the Bible clearly again and serve my congregation,” he said.
PTFI, the world’s largest integrated copper mining company from upstream to downstream, celebrated Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day by spreading a spirit of nationalism and cooperation across five of its operating sites, from upstream locations in Papua —including Tembagapura, Kuala Kencana, and Nabire— to downstream in Gresik, East Java, and Jakarta. (KL)
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