Empowering Papuan Youth through a Youth Entrepreneurship Training

19 April 2024

In an effort to empower Papuan youth so that they can develop themselves as successful entrepreneurs in their community, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) through Nemangkawi Mining Institute (NMI) and Community Economic Development (CED) department launched the Papuan Bridge Program Youth Entrepreneurship at the Nemangkawi Mining Institute, Kuala Kencana.

“PBP YET program is part of PTFI’s social investment through Nemangkawi Mining Institute. The purpose of this program is to improve the knowledge and skills of indigenous Papuans in entrepreneurship,” stated PTFI Senior Vice President (SVP) Sustainable Development Nathan Kum when opening the First Batch of PBP YET, at NMI, Kuala Kencana, Wednesday (4/17).

A total of 11 participants were selected from the selection process which had 252 registrants from all over Papua. Furthermore, the participants will be trained for the next four months in various trainings in the business field, such as presentation skills, leadership, entrepreneurship, and good marketing skills. During this program, PTFI provides health facilities, and allowance for participants.

Representing program coordinator, Supt. Apprentice Management NMI Imanuel Kafiar shared insights into the program's objectives is to provide participants with a holistic learning experience, combining practical training, mentorship, and access to resources. “We believe in nurturing talent and fostering innovation that will drive positive change in the business landscape creating agents of change amongst the Papuan youths," he said.

Nathan Kum, SVP Sustainable Development PTFI opened the event

The purpose of this program is to improve the knowledge and skills of indigenous Papuans

Tifa drumming symbolizes this training has began

A total of 11 participants were selected from the selection process

All PBP YET participants will take part in trainings that adopted material from the Dream Builder program

Fransina Weyau, a Kamoro tribe participant with six years experience in the betel nut and coffee shop industry, shared her excitement, stating, "I am eager to learn new strategies and expand my business reach. This program offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights."

Agatha Yenusi from Jayapura has started her business selling virgin coconut oil, expressed her optimism, saying, "Being part of this program is a good opportunity towards realizing my entrepreneurial goals. I look forward to leveraging the skills and knowledge gained to make a meaningful impact."

All PBP YET participants will take part in trainings that adopted material from the Dream Builder program created by the Freeport McMoran Foundation in collaboration with the Thunderbird School of Global Management and Arizona State University (ASU). Dream Builder is a free online certified training program that has been attended by more than 185 thousand people in 182 countries.

Participants will receive practical training, mentoring sessions, and network opportunities tailored to their business interests. The collaborative efforts of NMI and CED aim to nurture a new generation of dynamic entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth and prosperity in Papua.

“We hope that upon completing this training, participants can apply the material received in their business so that through the PBP YET program, more successful indigenous Papuan entrepreneurs will be emerge,” said Nathan Kum.

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