Freeport Hands Over Science & Partnership Building to UNCEN, Strengthening Research & Learning in Papua Jayapura, December 8, 2025 – President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas officially handed over the Science and Partnership Center building at Cenderawasih University (UNCEN) to the Rector of Cenderawasih University, Dr. Oscar O. Wambrauw SE., M.Sc.Agr., in Jayapura, Papua Province.
"Papua's progress must begin with strengthening educational and research facilities. We dedicate this building to support the youth of Papua in learning and developing knowledge based on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) so that they possess global competence, strong character, and the ability to compete internationally,” said PTFI President Director Tony Wenas.
Tony explained that the real impact can also be seen from the cooperation between PTFI and UNCEN in preparing Papua's talent. Currently, there are 332 UNCEN alumni working at PTFI, and the number will continue to grow. “The beneficiaries of the UNCEN scholarship from Freeport number 255 people, and currently 51 students are still active. Of course, in the future we can improve both the quantity and quality,” said Tony.
Meanwhile, UNCEN Rector Dr. Oscar O. Wambrauw SE., M.Sc..Agr. stated that the facilities of the UNCEN Science and Partnership Center Building will become a key driver in strengthening STEM, a center for collaboration between universities and industry, as well as expanding inclusive educational access for young people in Papua.
“Hopefully, with the existence of this Science and Partnership Building from PT Freeport Indonesia, the spirit of togetherness between PTFI and UNCEN will grow stronger, and this building will serve as a means to create the best works for the nation and the country, especially in Papua, to achieve a healthy, smart, and productive Papua,” said the UNCEN Rector.
The UNCEN Science and Partnership Center building is designed as a modern, eco-friendly lecture facility. Built on a 4,800 m² plot with a building area of 2,800 m², this three-story building uses solar panels that not only save energy but also serve as a direct learning tool for students studying Renewable Energy electrical systems. There are 18 lecture rooms with a capacity of 40 people each, equipped with air conditioning, projectors, and laptops capable of facilitating online lectures. Each room is named after chemical elements of minerals from PTFI products, namely Cuprum (copper), Argentum (silver), and Aurum (gold).
There are 18 lecture rooms with a capacity of 40 people each, all equipped with air conditioning, projectors, and laptops capable of facilitating online lectures. Each room is named after a chemical mineral element from PTFI products, namely Cuprum (copper), Argentum (silver), and Aurum (gold).
As the center of academic activity, this building is also equipped with an auditorium with a seating capacity of 170 and a 6 x 3 meter videotron. The interior of the auditorium features copper materials as a visualization of PTFI products, combined with motifs from the nature of Papua as well as Cenderawasih and Kamoro carvings, providing a distinctive and harmonious touch.
In the same room, there is a wall sculpture from Papua that depicts how natural resources are managed in an integrated manner for the welfare of the community. All the facilities in the auditorium are supported by a two-way online interaction system, complete with internet connectivity throughout the floor.
Connecting the floor areas, in the staircase void area illuminated by natural light from the building’s glass, there is a mural artwork themed 'Copper for Life,' which illustrates the positive contributions of PTFI's operations to the community and all stakeholders.
This building's facilities also include a garden and plaza, as well as a parking area of 1,300 m², accessible restrooms, and a fire suppression system for safety. Specifically on the third floor, part of the roof structure is left open as a real construction example for Civil Engineering students, creating an applied and inspiring learning space.
PTFI hopes that this facility can strengthen Uncen's position as a leading university in Eastern Indonesia.
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