PTFI and Mimika Government Collaboration To Addresses the Impact of Landslides in Waa Banti Valley
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and the Mimika Regency Government responded quickly to the landslide that struck the Waa Banti Valley area. Heavy rainfall on Saturday, April 25, 2026, caused landslides in eight locations and even cut off the Tembagapura-Banti main road in the Kalkaloni area. In response, PTFI and the Mimika Regency Government immediately implemented recovery and control measures to minimize further risks to the community and affected areas.
This rapid and integrated response involved various stakeholders. PTFI deployed teams from across divisions and heavy equipment, while the Mimika Regency Government conducted field inspections through the Governance Department, the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Tembagapura District Office, with support from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (POLRI).
"Since receiving reports of the landslide in the Waa Banti Valley, our top priority has been the safety of residents and the stability of the area. Our primary focus is ensuring there are no casualties and preventing the risk of further landslides. PTFI, the Mimika Regency Government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (POLRI) are committed to supporting a swift and effective recovery through strong synergy," said Claus Wamafma, Director & EVP of Sustainable Development PTFI.
A joint team went to the field on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to survey vulnerable points and conduct measured, effective, and continuous assessments. "The priority is to reconnect access connecting Tembagapura and Banti Village, as well as securing the Waa Banti Hospital (RSWB) from the risk of landslides," said Bertran Puhili, Head of Water Resources, Mimika Public Works and Housing (PUPR).
Achieving road access restoration certainly presents many challenges and is not easy. Technically, PTFI deployed full support, from heavy equipment to experts from various fields. Five days after the road was cut off, PTFI successfully created a 102-meter alternative road by deploying 4 excavators, 2 dozers, 1 compactor, and 5 ADTs daily for landslide clearance and repairs. This road access is crucial for accelerating recovery efforts at other vulnerable areas and distributing logistics, especially for the needs of the RSWB.
The Mimika Regency Government, through the Mimika Health Office (Dinkes), ensures that RSWB operations continue, including the availability of medicines and supporting facilities. Intensive coordination with PTFI is being conducted to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and to address potential landslides around the RSWB.
Responding to the measures taken, Dev Richard Tatiratu, Head of Tembagapura District, expressed his appreciation for the support of PTFI and the local government. "We must maintain this kind of cooperation and collaboration to provide the best possible service to the community. For now, the community remains our priority. We will continue to coordinate with PTFI to determine how we can best distribute aid to the community," Dev added.
Aid to the community in the Waa Banti Valley has been distributed by the Mimika Regency Government through the Social Services Agency, the Food Security Agency, and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). The aid provided includes supplies such as rice, cooking oil, spices, food ingredients, diapers, mats, tarpaulins, cleaning supplies, and other assistance. PTFI supported the delivery of this aid from Timika to Banti. The aid distribution took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, by PTFI and the Tembagapura District Office.
The Mimika BPBD, through Aser Korwa, Head of Prevention and Preparedness (BPBD), urged the public to remain vigilant regarding potential rain and landslides. "Stay prepared during rainy weather, especially in vulnerable areas. Remain safe and avoid anything that could endanger yourself." (MRS)
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