Maintaining National Unity in Diversity
25 August 2019
Indonesians around the company recently celebrated the 74th Indonesia Independence Day with traditional foods, dances and ceremonies.
Freeporter communities in the Highlands and Lowlands, Jakarta, and even those in Phoenix, celebrated Independence Day with everything from a flag rising ceremony to games and festivals.
In the Highlands, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan led the ceremony by acting as ceremonial inspector. This was the first time the Republic of Indonesia Anniversary Commemoration ceremony in Tembagapura was led by a government minister. Jonan said his presence at the Tembagapura ceremony was a symbol of the diversity and unity of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke.
In his message, Jonan emphasized this year’s Independence theme, which was Excellent HR Advance Indonesia.
He invited PT Freeport Indonesia to continue to advance quality human resources so Indonesia can compete with other countries.
"As directed by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, we as a whole nation must develop the nation's competitiveness so that we can keep abreast of the times and globalization," Jonan said.
After the ceremony, PTFI’s President Director Tony Wenas encouraged all Indonesians to be proud of the quality of Indonesian workers.
"Freeport Indonesia is a world-class mine. We have a lot of expert miners recognized throughout the mining industry. Our workers are excellent and Indonesia is not inferior to other countries. We need to be proud of that, " Wenas said after the ceremony.
Freeport Indonesia Proud, Thank You for Your Loyalty
As part of the country’s birthday celebration, PT Freeport Indonesia recognized long-term employees, some who have worked for the company for 35 years.
In the Highlands, Minister Jonan recognized 35 employees with honorary service awards.
While in the Lowlands, 44 employees received awards from PTFI Vice President Director Orias Moedak who was accompanied by PTFI's management in Kuala Kencana.
The ceremony closed with entertainment performances, various competitions and Papuan dances.
Independence Day ceremonies didn’t stop at the Indonesian boarder
More than 8,500 miles away, Indonesian Freeporters working in Phoenix took part in their own version of a vibrant Independence Day celebration.
Indonesia Raya echoed at the Freeport-McMoRan Center as employees and families rose to sing the national anthem and listened to a reading of the independence proclamation text to honor and respect the nation.
Later, a talent show featuring performances from the children of employees entertained guests while fun independence day games kept the children – and adults – occupied.
No celebration is complete without traditional foods, and the Phoenix celebration was no different. Satay, yellow rice and rendang were only a few of the Indonesian comfort foods attendees enjoyed.
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