Freeport: Connecting Employees with Their Families, Without Limits
More than just a homecoming bus, Freeport provides boats, airplanes, and even helicopters—all for one goal: to connect hearts, not just distances.
Amid the never-ending busyness of the mine, there is one moment that PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) employees always look forward to: going home for Christmas. For those working far away in the mountains of Papua, the journey home is not an easy one. Distance, terrain, and weather often pose challenges, not to mention security situations.
"Freeport believes that employee happiness is part of the company's success. That’s why Freeport offers the Flight and Boat Program. This initiative comes from care and represents the company’s commitment to bringing employees back into their families’ arms without the obstacle of distance, with very affordable ticket prices," explained Soleman Faluk, VP of the Papuan Affairs Department.
The Christmas Flight Program provides special flights to remote areas using planes and helicopters, while Christmas Boat offers sea transportation by supplying fuel for employees' boats to coastal regions. More than just a journey, it is a bridge that connects longing, melts distances, and brings smiles on a season full of meaning.
“I have been participating in this program for almost 19 years,” said Martha Wauturu, one of PTFI's employees. “With the high fuel prices in Timika, this program really helps me to celebrate Christmas with my family using a boat,” Martha added.
Paskalina Degei, another employee who returns to her hometown in Moanemani, Dogiai Regency, also admitted that she enjoys this program every time she gets a chance to take leave during Christmas.
Even with a short preparation time, this year there will still be bright faces when feet touch the homeland, warm hugs from parents, the laughter of children waiting at the door. All of this is made possible thanks to Freeport's commitment to ensuring that every employee can celebrate Christmas peacefully and happily. Even amid the challenges the company is currently facing, this program continues to run.
In 2024, the Christmas Flight & Christmas Boat Program has transported 3,067 passengers to celebrate Christmas in their hometowns. A total of 2,442 people flew by airplane, 554 people were flown by helicopter to reach three mountain villages, and 71 people traveled by boat to Agimuga and Potowaiburu.
“Around 1,770 employees and their family members have registered and are ready to return to their hometowns this week, from December 10 to December 23,” explained Leonardo Ardiles Auri, Chairman of the Christmas Flight & Christmas Boat 2025 Program Committee. The inaugural flight will take them to several areas such as Enarotali, Wagethe, Duma, Moanemani, Agimuga, Timika Beach (by boat), Potowaiburu (by boat), and later from January 6 to January 20, 2026, they will be picked up to return to the job site,” he continued.
“I am so proud to have the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Boat program, and I am really grateful that this program continues to run this year,” added Martha, her eyes welling up as she held back her emotions.
This initiative is not just about transportation, but a strong and tangible commitment as well as a demonstration of Freeport's concern for the quality of employees' well-being. With the company's full support, employees can return to their hometowns happily, enjoy a peaceful holiday with their loved ones in their hometown, and come back with renewed energy to continue contributing to shared progress. (ayoku)
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