PTFI Plants Commitment for a Greener Future Together with Local Communities
28 May 2025
In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability. With the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” and the sub-theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, PTFI organized a series of activities involving the local communities to strengthen environmental protection and community empowerment. As part of the celebration, greening activities were held in two of PTFI’s operational areas, Highlands and Lowlands, each with distinct ecosystem challenges.
Revegetation in the Highlands
In the Highlands, the activity took place on May 24, 2025, at the Kaimana Dump Area, Grasberg. The event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from GKI Kalvari Church Tembagapura and 9th grade students from YPJ Tembagapura Junior High School.
A total of 1,500 Deschampsia klosii seedlings were planted across 0.54 hectares. This pioneering plant species is commonly used in land reclamation and reported to the government as part of environmental restoration efforts. It helps build micro ecosystems that allow other plant species to thrive and prevents soil degradation.
"In line with the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ I encourage everyone to start taking concrete actions in your daily life, such as disposing of waste properly," said Eman Widijanto, Vice President of the Mining Safety Division at PTFI. He added that this initiative reflects the company’s commitment to minimize the negative impacts of mining operations.
“This area is one of the biggest challenges for reclamation. But through proper stabilization and remediation, and with the community’s support, we can make real changes,” he added.
Cross-generational and community collaboration was a core value of this initiative. PTFI employees, students, and local residents worked together to plant seedlings and create a greener environment.
Meitty Poei, Chairperson of the 2025 PTFI Environmental Day Committee, explained that the main goal was to instill the understanding that conservation is a shared responsibility. “Local communities’ involvement shows that environmental preservation is not only the responsibility of the company, but everyone has a role in it,” she said. She also emphasized the importance of physical readiness for participants due to the extreme alpine and sub-alpine conditions of the Kaimana Dump area. Participants were required to be in good health, proven through medical checkups before the activity.
“This is a great activity because it helps us understand the importance of protecting nature, while also gives us a chance to support environmental protection efforts.” said Nels, a student from YPJ.
Another YPJ student, Fernando, added, “I’m glad to see PTFI taking responsibility through revegetation events like this one.”
Mangrove Planting in the Lowlands
Meanwhile, in the Lowland area, approximately 100 participants took part in a mangrove planting event at the Ajkwa river estuary on Friday, May 23, 2025. This coastal area is prone to erosion and seawater intrusion. The initiative included planting 150 mangrove seedlings across 0.5 hectares, aimed at strengthening coastal ecosystem resilience and supporting local livelihoods.
The activity involving 55 YPJ Kuala Kencana students also featured educational sessions explaining the ecological benefits of mangroves and proper planting techniques. The type of mangrove planted is Rhizopora mucronata, which is tolerant to high salinity and essential for forming natural protective zones.
More than a conservation effort, the initiative aimed to raise awareness amongst young people and local communities about the crucial role of mangroves in mitigating climate change and environmental degradation. The Ajkwa river estuary is an area undergoing restoration by PTFI’s Environmental Division. In hopes that it will once again become a primary fishing spot fishermen and a thriving habitat for marine life.
Through these simultaneous activities in two different landscapes, PTFI demonstrates a holistic approach to environmental protection. Not only restoring post-mining lands in the Highlands but also reinforcing coastal ecosystem resilience in the Lowlands through mangrove planting. The active involvement of YPJ students and local communities has been key to the initiative’s success, reinforcing our shared responsibility for the planet we all call home.
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