PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is responsible for and contributes to the biodiversity conservation in Papua. As a result, PTFI will share its best practices with the public.
JAKARTA, NGK – Various tangible works or best practices carried out by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) to preserve biodiversity in Papua will be showcased in the talk show of the Indonesian Biodiversity Week 2024.
The talk show, scheduled to be held at the Manggala Wanabakti Auditorium, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/5), is organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to commemorate World Environment Day.
“As one of the companies operating in an area with mega biodiversity, PTFI is responsible for contributing to the biodiversity in Papua. This is one of our policies,” said PTFI’s VP of Environment, Gesang Setyadi.
Gesang Setyadi stated that one of the keys to PTFI’s success in preserving biodiversity in Papua is cooperation with various parties, such as the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), conservation NGOs, and provincial and district governments.
“We cannot work alone. BBKSDA cannot work alone. Therefore, we work together to achieve more optimal results,” said Gesang.
PTFI’s VP of Environment gave an example that, when collaborating with BBKSDA Papua, they released endemic Papua wildlife that had been confiscated. The animals were brought to PTFI’s transit pens in Timika before being released into the wild. “To date, PTFI has released 56,650 pig-nosed turtles, 25 mammals, 124 reptiles, and 578 birds,” said Gesang.
Another contribution is assisting in the discovery of new species previously undescribed scientifically. These include the discovery of 50 new insects, 21 new crab species, two fish species, one frog species, one lizard species, and 29 new plant species. PTFI regularly publishes a Biodiversity Book containing information about butterflies, crabs, birds, and more. A total of 12 book series have been published to date.
“We also collaborate with Gajah Mada University in researching the New Guinea Singing Dog, one of the oldest dogs in the world, found in the Grasberg mining area,” said Gesang.
It is also explained that the Indonesian Biodiversity Week 2024, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry under the Directorate General of Conservation and Natural Resources and Ecosystems, will take place from 15 to 17 May.
This event coincides with the “World Species Congress 2024 IUCN—The World Conservation Union” with the international theme “Biodiversity & Freshwater Security, Seas, and Coastal Areas.” IUCN, or the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is an international organization dedicated to the conservation of natural resources. (Krist Ansaka)
