Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) have agreed to strengthen collaboration in the fields of research and human resource development. This commitment was discussed during a meeting between UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia and Director and EVP of Sustainable Development at PT Freeport Indonesia, Claus Wamafma, held at the Rimba Papua Hotel, Timika, Papua, on Thursday evening, Jul. 24, 2025.
The UGM Rector stated that several areas of collaboration with PT Freeport Indonesia include the Papua Afirmation Scholarship Program, the Papua Community Service Program (KKN Papua), and the Talent Development Class.
“We aim to increase the volume of scholarships currently provided by PTFI, specifically for Papuan students studying at UGM,” said Rector Emilia in a statement sent to journalists on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
The talent development program will focus on enhancing soft skills and leadership capacities among Papuan youth, alongside support for UGM’s community service program in areas surrounding the Freeport mining site.
“This collaboration with PTFI should be continued, especially in human resource development, scholarships, talent programs, as well as CSR and community development efforts. I see tremendous potential here,” she added.
Additionally, the rector noted that both parties will also reinforce collaboration in research related to sustainable mining and the implementation of nature-based solutions for post-mining landscape restoration.
This includes assessing the impact of reclamation efforts in tailing areas (reforestation) in both lowland and coastal regions.
“We are ready to collaborate on greening remote and high-risk areas using nutrient-coated seedball technology deployed by drone,” said Rector Emilia.
Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, stated that further collaborative opportunities lie in mining engineering, mineral studies, and agriculture, especially post-harvest management on reclaimed lands.
“We are ready to support the reclamation process and help expand forest cover,” he said.
Dr. Hadmoko also mentioned that a research team from UGM’s Faculty of Geography is conducting research on blue carbon mapping, particularly in areas surrounding mangrove forests.
“We can quantify blue carbon and measure its environmental impact,” he explained.
Claus Wamafma welcomed the continued collaboration with UGM, emphasizing that PTFI needs innovative ideas and solutions to tackle poverty and social challenges in Mimika.
“We are committed to maintaining inclusivity; the more inclusive we are, the stronger we become, and these new approaches are something the public should know about,” he stated.
As part of the rector’s visit to Freeport in Mimika on July 24–25, the delegation visited schools and small enterprises supported by Freeport’s community partnership program for Mimika residents.
These included Sekolah Asrama Taruna Papua, a boarding school serving children from indigenous communities near the mining site, such as the Moni, Amungme, Kamoro, Dani, Damal, Ekari (Mee), and Nduga tribes.
The delegation also visited the Maria Bintang Laut Cooperative and Amungme Gold Coffee House.
On the second day, the rector and her entourage visited the MP21 reclamation area, where the rector planted a tree seedling.
They then toured the Nemangkawi Mining Institute, a training center that equips Papuan youth with technical skills before entering the mining workforce.
The UGM team also inspected the water treatment plant, Freeport’s community hospital, and sports complex, all developed through Freeport Indonesia’s community partnership program.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna