Freeport’s Secret to Success at IMERC 2025: Driven by Expertise and Safety Culture
IMERC 2025
IMERC 2025
Months of dedication, countless hours of training, and a shared commitment to excellence came to fruition as PT Freeport Indonesia’s Emergency Preparedness & Response team emerged as the overall champions at the 2025 Indonesia Mining Emergency Response Community (IMERC). Their victory not only marked the culmination of rigorous preparation but also highlighted the unyielding strength of teamwork that is core to PTFI’s values.
The journey to triumph was anything but easy. In the months leading up to the competition, since May to be precise, the team endured long, exhausting hours of training, and intense drill sessions. Firefighting combat challenge, confined space rescue, road crash rescue, high angle rescue, underwater rescue, structural fire fighting, and also theoretical skills were all part of their preparation. They pushed each other more than usual, honing on their skills in high-pressure situations. Each mistake, and the countless repetitions of complex tasks were all steps toward this crowning achievement.
Held in Balikpapan from August 14-17, 2025, this was the first IMERC event ever held in Indonesia, where 18 teams consisting of 17 teams from Indonesia's companies and one team from Australia are tested on their ability to respond to real-life emergency situations. The PTFI EP&R team not only excelled across three challenges but also displayed remarkable teamwork, efficiency, and calm under pressure, earning them the title of overall champion.
Upon returning to Jobsite, the team was greeted by pride and admiration. The Director and Executive Vice President of Sustainable Development, Claus Wamafma, and Vice President of Mining Safety Division, Eman Widijanto, were on hand to personally welcome the champions. Surrounded by their colleagues, the Director and EVP expressed his immense pride in the team’s achievement.
“What these individuals have accomplished goes beyond winning a competition,” said Claus Wamafma proudly. “It’s about proving that our team set the bar for safety, teamwork, and resilience.”
The Vice President of MSD, Eman Widijanto added, “This victory is a testament to the commitment, dedication, and teamwork of each member of the team. Their preparation is not only for the competition, it’s their everyday duty as the Emergency Preparedness & Response team.”
Randy Julius, as team captain explained the best event for his team was at the firefighter combat challenge, he knew his team was well prepared. “The journey was tough,” he said. “We trusted each other, trained hard together, and this is the result.”
For the team, this victory wasn’t just about the trophy. It was about proving their hard work, and teamwork could overcome any challenge. “This victory feels incredible however we won’t take it for granted. We will begin to train again for the upcoming International Bali Mine Rescue Competition (IBMRC) competition in November this year,” said Wingston Kaemor, as manager of the team.
This victory also serves as a reminder of the power of training, teamwork, and a shared commitment to safety and excellence. The IMERC 2025 title is not just a win for the team, but for PTFI. It’s a reflection of the strength and unity that drives the company forward. (im)
Congratulations to our PTFI team:
Wingston Kaemor – Team Manager
Purnomo – Team Instructor
Randy Julius – Team Captain
Christo Kevin – Team Co-Captain
Marshall Allen – Team Member
Yepson Waromi – Team Member
Benyamin Mauneti – Team Member
Christian Arki – Team Member
Alfaro Ilintutu – Team Member
Eki Prederik – Team Member
Advent Patambing – Team Member
Cliffalen Natanael – Team Member
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