One of Merdeka Group's subsidiaries, PT Bumi Suksesindo (PT BSI), the operator of the gold and silver mine in Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, has once again achieved outstanding recognition. PT BSI won five prestigious awards from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia and CNN Indonesia on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

PT BSI received four awards from the Ministry of ESDM during the Good Mining Practice (GMP) Awards ceremony held at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta. The four awards included the “Utama” category for technical management of mineral and coal mining, the “Pratama” category for mining safety management, and the “Aditama” and “Best” awards for environmental management of mineral and coal mining.

President Director of PT BSI, Adi Adriansyah Sjoekri, stated that these awards once again highlight PT BSI’s seriousness in applying good mining practices (GMP) in its operations in Banyuwangi.

“As part of PT Merdeka Copper Gold, Tbk (IDX:MDKA), PT BSI consistently strives to manage the mine with high compliance standards to provide optimal contributions to stakeholders,” said Adi. He added that this achievement would motivate PT BSI to continuously enhance responsible and sustainable mining management.

Adi also emphasized that PT BSI has implemented several key environmental programs to support proper environmental management at its operational sites. These include environmental quality monitoring (covering water, soil, and air), land rehabilitation, and regulatory compliance. The results of these activities are consistently reported to the relevant authorities.

Simultaneously, PT BSI received an award in the category 'Leading Local Community Empowerment Initiatives Recognition for Outstanding Program in Empowering Local Communities' presented by CNN Indonesia at the CNN Indonesia Jatim Awards, held at the Westin Hotel Surabaya.

This award was presented by Director of CT Corpora, Warnedy, to PT BSI’s General Manager of Operations and Head of Mining Technical Operations (KTT), Roelly Fransza.

Roelly expressed pride in PT BSI’s achievements at the event. “This award encourages us to continue benefiting the surrounding communities and local groups, especially in the areas surrounding the mine,” he said during the award ceremony.

Roelly further explained that all the social programs run by PT BSI aim to empower the local community. He mentioned several programs, including scholarships, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), public infrastructure development, health services, and socio-cultural programs. All of these are part of the Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) initiatives.

To implement these programs, Roelly noted that PT Merdeka Copper Gold, Tbk has invested over IDR 156 billion between 2018 and 2023. These funds were used to realize PPM programs in the Pesanggaran District and surrounding areas.

One example of the PPM projects includes the construction of roads in Sumbermulyo and Rowojambe up to Pancer, as well as other village roads in the Pesanggaran District. Roelly explained that these public infrastructure developments are designed to improve community access and indirectly boost socio-economic mobility.

“We aim to be good neighbors to the communities around our operational areas. Through PT BSI’s PPM program, we want to help local residents achieve independence, especially as the life of our mine comes to an end. We extend our gratitude to the community and the government for their support, which has helped us achieve this recognition,” Roelly stated.

As a company with an ESG rating of A from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) since 2023, PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk remains committed to strengthening its reputation as a company with a high ESG performance. The company’s commitment to environmental performance, positively impacting ecosystems and communities, is a fundamental principle upheld by Merdeka Group.