Timika – The people of Central Papua have experienced many changes in the past 5-10 years, especially those living in the areas surrounding PT Freeport Indonesia’s (PTFI) operations. These changes include increased job opportunities, improved access to education and healthcare, and the growth of local businesses.
This makes the impact of PTFI’s presence increasingly visible in people’s daily lives. In districts such as East Mimika, Kuala Kencana, and Tembagapura, a growing number of young Papuans are now working in various areas of PTFI’s operations. Many are graduates of PTFI’s training programs or scholarship recipients.
“We are seeing encouraging progress. Papuan workers are now filling increasingly diverse roles, from technical to managerial positions. This is the result of long-term investment in education and training,” said PTFI President Director, Tony Wenas.
According to internal data, the proportion of native Papuans in the workforce has now reached 40.9%, and this figure continues to increase annually.
In Timika, many local businesses acknowledge that collaborating with PTFI has opened doors for their growth. From transportation services and catering to local agriculture and repair shops, all businesses have experienced a multiplier effect from the company’s economic activities.
One business owner, Grasella Kunong, said her business revenue increased after participating in PTFI’s local business empowerment program.
“Now we can employ more villagers, and our business can deliver supplies regularly,” she said, as quoted on Tuesday (May 12, 2026).
Over the past decade, PTFI has partnered with more than 400 local entrepreneurs, fostering a more independent economic ecosystem in Central Papua.
In education, PTFI supports the construction of learning facilities from preschool to high school. Thousands of students receive educational equipment and other support each year. Scholarship programs have also enabled many Papuan children to continue their education outside the region.
In the health sector, programs to address malaria, improve child nutrition, and strengthen health facilities in several villages have directly benefited the community.
“Health and education are the main foundations for Papua’s future. Therefore, we are implementing long-term and sustainable social programs,” said Tony Wenas.
Several previously inaccessible areas now have improved road access thanks to development collaborations between PTFI and local stakeholders. Access to electricity, clean water, and logistics transportation has also improved in recent years.
This infrastructure not only supports mining activities but also creates opportunities for economic growth in the surrounding community.
PTFI affirms its commitment to supporting the development of Central Papua not only through mining activities but also through efforts to build a foundation for the future economy.
“Our goal is for Central Papua to have independent and sustainable economic strength, well beyond the mine’s operational period. We want the community to feel the long-term benefits of every investment made today,” said Tony Wenas.
Currently focused programs include human resource development, village economic empowerment, environmental preservation, and local business development based on regional potential.
