Freeport Indonesia and Timika Diocese Provide Carpentry Skills Training for Kamoro Youth
21 November 2024
TIMIKA, November 16, 2024 – “Basic construction skills are essential for accelerating community development and improving the local economy. Freeport is training youth from five fostered villages to equip them with foundational carpentry skills,” said Nathan Kum, Senior Vice President (SVP) of Sustainable Development at PTFI in the carpentry skills training for 20 Kamoro youth from fostered villages in the South Coastal region of Mimika Regency conducted by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), in collaboration with the Timika Diocese through the Maria Bintang Laut Cooperative (KMBL).
Nathan explained that this was the second session of training conducted in 2024, following the first session held in July. Facilitators from PTFI’s Nemangkawi Mining Institute acted as instructors, teaching various basic skills, including carpentry, electrical repairs, and cement mixing for construction.
“PTFI and the Timika Diocese are strongly committed to empowering Kamoro youth from the five fostered villages by enhancing their carpentry skills. We hope that after completing this training, the participants will continue to apply what they have learned,” he added.
One of the trainees, Kelik Utauru from Tipuka village, expressed his gratitude for the knowledge gained. “This carpentry training has been very helpful in expanding our skills. We’ve learned things we didn’t know before, like how to build houses. Thanks to the Nemangkawi Mining Institute for providing both theoretical and practical training,” said Kelik.
Kelik shared that the training included classroom theory sessions and daily hands-on practice. “We were taught everything from installing steel frames to tiling walls. Initially, we had no idea how to do these things. Now, we can even install tiles at home ourselves. This has been incredibly helpful,” he added.
Benyamin Meo, Chairman of the Maria Bintang Laut Cooperative and representative of the Timika Diocese, expressed hope that the Kamoro youth could use these skills to develop their villages without relying on outside specialists, even those from outside Papua.
Nathan emphasized that Freeport Indonesia remains committed to empowering local communities by enhancing the skills of those living near the mining operations, ensuring a more prosperous future for the residents.
Youths from Nayaro, Nawaripi, Koperapoka, Ayuka, and Tipuka joined the 10-day training program, held from November 5 to 15 that took place at the Timika Diocese Complex in Central Papua.
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