PTFI Hands Over Two Suspension Bridges to Community in Hoya District
18 June 2021
PT Freeport Indonesia recently turned over to the government two suspension bridges that provide safe, reliable passage for members of several villages in the Hoya Valley who navigate the rough and unforgiving Highlands terrain.
Construction of the two bridges made a significant improvement to the quality of life for villagers in the Hoya, as they replaced makeshift bridges made of rattan strands and wood that exposed villagers to treacherous river crossings or day-long detours.
“These two suspension bridges in Hoya are testament of a positive collaboration between the community, government and PTFI,” said Nathan Kum, Vice President-Community Development. “PTFI will continue to contribute to the embodiment of sustainable community and regional development, while respecting the local culture and values.”
One bridge connects the villages of Dalmaogom and Mamontoga, while the other bridge connects hamlets such as Tsinga, Jila, Bela, Alama and provides better access to the only school building in Kulamaogom village.
As a community near the company’s operations in the Highlands, Hoya Valley lies within the scope of PTFI Community Relations and the Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK) community development programs.
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Hoya Valley is populated by members of the Amungme tribe who are closely related to Amungme tribes in the other three valleys of Tsinga, Waa and Aroanop. There are several hamlets scattered around the valley, and while they are physically adjacent, the Highlands topography and lack of infrastructure make getting around in the valley difficult and sometimes life-threatening.
The company project began after community members asked PTFI to help build a permanent suspension bridge to help them traversing from one hamlet to the other in Hoya. Heavy Highlands rainfall often inundates the treacherous Jinogong river, forcing villagers to take a 12-hour hike through the jungle to circle the river and get to the neighboring hamlet.
Karel Kum, chief of Hoya District, said he appreciates the company’s assistance in providing critical infrastructure for his district and better uniting the villages thanks to the new bridges.
“We will make sure that the community and local government are working together, so we can maintain these important facilities for the good of all the community in Hoya,” Kum said.
Robert Mayaut, Head of the Mimika Public Works and Housings Office also expressed his appreciation, as the relationship and collaboration between the local government, community and PTFI continues to strive.
“Construction of rural infrastructure like this shows that development programs are not only focused on big cities and towns,” Mayaut said. “We are proud to partner with PTFI in building good infrastructure in Mimika to promote development and betterment for the community.”
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