Health Minister Reviews Freeport Indonesia's Malaria Control Program


19 September 2024


Timika, September 19, 2024 – Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin visited the Malaria Control Program at PT Freeport Indonesia’s (PTFI) Kuala Kencana site as part of his official trip to Mimika Regency on Wednesday (09/18). 

dr. Firdy Permana is giving an explanation about the CHD program to the Minister of Health Budi G. S
dr. Firdy Permana is giving an explanation about the CHD program to the Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin
Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin and Acting Governor of Papua Rebecca H. were welcomed by PTFI Man
Minister of Health Budi G. Sadikin and Acting Governor of Papua Rebecca H. were welcomed by PTFI Management
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin received an explanation from the Entomology Laboratory office
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin received an explanation from the Entomology Laboratory officer.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin visited the Entomology Laboratory.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin visited the Entomology Laboratory.
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito s
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito species
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito s
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito s
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito s
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito s
Minister of Health Budi G. S. witnessed how the Malaria Control Program works to identify mosquito s


Claus Wamafma, Director & Executive Vice President of Sustainable Development at PTFI, along with the company's senior management, welcomed the Minister. During the visit, the Health Minister closely observed PTFI’s efforts in combating malaria, including tours of the Entomology and Insectarium Labs. 

"The Entomology Lab is excellent, and so is the Insectarium Lab. Ideally, endemic areas should have laboratories like these. This way, we can learn how to stop or reduce the spread of larvae, study which larvae are harmful, understand the mosquito species, and control the mosquito population, said the Health Minister. 

The Minister emphasized that the Malaria Control Program has been effective in curbing the population of mosquitoes. He expressed hope that Freeport Indonesia’s initiatives could be applied in other regions that remain malaria endemic. 

Claus Wamafma stated that PTFI is committed to improving the quality of life for the communities around its operational areas, with a particular focus on health. Malaria is a key concern, as it is a prevalent disease among both the local population and PTFI workers. The company's malaria control efforts have been ongoing in Mimika for more than 25 years. 

"PTFI, in collaboration with the Mimika Regency Health Office, YPMAK, and other stakeholders, continues to engage in prevention, treatment, and health promotion efforts. This includes educating children in schools, health workers in villages, and the general public,” Wamafma explained. 

PTFI’s malaria control program extends throughout its industrial areas in the lowlands and to eight nearby villages around the company’s operations. 

The 2022 Basic Health Research conducted jointly by the Mimika Regional Government and Freeport Indonesia revealed high malaria incidence rates and significant stunting among infants and toddlers in Mimika Regency. Data from the Mimika Health Office in 2023 recorded 145,000 malaria cases, with a steadily increasing trend over the past four years. Additionally, the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey reported a stunting prevalence in Mimika of 24.7%, higher than the national average of 21%. 





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