05 June 2023
The commitment of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk or Harita Nickel to support the implementation of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles in its mining operations and nickel downstreaming on Obi Island, received positive appreciation from the central government.
Unmitigated, the appreciation was conveyed by three ministries at once. Namely the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves), the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Appreciation was conveyed when a team from the three ministries made a working visit to the Harita Nickel site on Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku, in May 2023.
Fatma Puspitasari, Coordinator of Forest Utilization and Conservation Control at the Ministry, said that companies that prioritize ESG principles in their business practices and investments will integrate the principles of environmental conservation, social responsibility and good governance.
After reviewing directly to the Harita Nickel operational site, according to him, various Social and Environmental Responsibility (TSJL) activities that have been carried out by Harita Nickel and several of its subsidiaries operating on Obi Island are in line with ESG principles.
He gave an example of activities oriented towards environmental conservation including mangrove ecosystem maintenance programs, and coral reef transplantation. Social activities include empowering SMEs, strengthening the agricultural sector, and supporting the improvement of the quality of education for children on Obi Island.
“Regarding environmental management around the site, Harita Nickel's commitment to running an environmentally sustainable business is emphasized by signing a Joint Agreement and Cooperation Agreement with the Coordinating Ministry for Marves, KLHK and KKP in encouraging the achievement of the national mangrove rehabilitation target,” he said.
Before signing the mangrove rehabilitation cooperation with the government in 2022, he said, the company had carried out similar activities by cooperating with Khairun Ternate University and at the same time empowering local communities.
From the monitoring conducted, it is known that the mangrove land that has been rehabilitated by Harita Nickel since 2021 until mid-2023 is 23.73 ha. The locations are spread across four points in South Halmahera Regency, including Soligi Village in Obi District, Awango Village and Belang-Belang in Bacan District and Guruapin Village in Kayoa District.
Restoration Coordinator at the Directorate of Coastal and Small Island Utilization, Directorate of Marine Spatial Management, KKP, Hery Gunawan Daulay emphasized the importance of mangroves for marine ecology. It is said, mangroves function as a buffer zone or buffer area to protect coastal areas from damage.
He gave appreciation to Harita Nickel and encouraged the ongoing program to maintain the mangrove land area from year to year.
In addition to appreciating the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, teams from the three ministries also gave appreciation for the company's efforts to carry out community empowerment activities around its operations. One of them is the SME mentoring program carried out by the company in Kawasi and Soligi Villages.
"One of the interesting things is SME development through training in tofu and tempeh making. Due to the remote distance, good tempeh is difficult to obtain. Local residents are trained to make tempeh by utilizing soybeans grown in the village fields and the products are purchased by the company for employee consumption," explained Fatma, calling this program a real benefit for local residents.
The team also visited schools in the villages surrounding Harita Nickel's operations. It can be seen that educational facilities and infrastructure for children on Obi Island, which is one of the 3T areas, are still limited. The team also gave appreciation for the support that has been provided by the company. Including school infrastructure improvement assistance and incentives for teachers.
Various activities that have been carried out by Harita Nickel in an effort to carry out its environmental and social responsibilities, are proof of the company's commitment to sustainable business governance according to ESG principles.
“Of course this is also an added value for Harita Nickel as a public company,” said Fatma from Kemenko Marves, agreed by other personnel.
Meanwhile, HSE Director of Harita Nickel, Tonny H Gultom said the company is committed to implementing sustainable governance in all aspects of its operations. According to him, the ESG principle is an important consideration in the company's long-term plan in carrying out the downstream mandate of the Indonesian government.
The three ESG principles covering environment, social and governance are integrated into the company's business strategy and operational activities. In addition, the company also plays an active role in various Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) programs around its operational areas. The focus of the PPM program includes development in the fields of economy, health, education, socio-culture and infrastructure.
Go Top