Minika, The Manager of the Indonesian National Rugby Team (Men’s and Women’s), Odizeus Beanal, expressed his appreciation to PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) for its significant role in the development of rugby in Mimika Regency and Papua.
Odi, as he is fondly called, explained that the origins of rugby in Indonesia, particularly in Papua, began in Mimika Regency in 1996 through a community development program initiated by PTFI.
“This program became a platform for teenagers and youth in Kwamki Lama Village and Waa-Banti Village to engage in sports. Thanks to rugby, indigenous Papuan children can now compete and represent Indonesia in the National Rugby Team on the international stage,” he stated in a text message to on Thursday.
This appreciation highlights the importance of support from private entities, such as PTFI, in developing athletic potential in the region, providing opportunities for young people to showcase their talents on a global platform.
