Freeport Disburses Rp2.5 Billion in Humanitarian Aid for NTT Earthquake Victims
PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has distributed humanitarian aid worth Rp2.5 billion to assist communities affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) region on 15 August 2026.
PTFI President Director Tony Wenas, accompanied by PTFI employees originally from NTT, personally delivered a portion of the humanitarian aid, weighing a total of 1.5 tonnes, via aircraft. The aid was symbolically handed over by Tony Wenas to the Governor of NTT, Melki Laka Lena, at the Governor’s Office in Kupang, NTT, on Tuesday (1/9).
Furthermore, the distribution of aid will reach several affected areas, including Mbeliling District, Nagekeo Regency, Manggarai Regency, and East Manggarai Regency.
“We come with sincere intentions to bring aid to our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster. NTT is a close neighbour, and our kinship drives us to do more. We hope this assistance can lighten the burden of our people in NTT, and that this step can trigger a spirit of sharing from many other parties,” said Tony Wenas in a statement on Wednesday (2/9/2026).
He explained that PTFI moved swiftly to respond to the earthquake in NTT by deploying emergency response teams, distributing aid, and organising employee donations, which the company doubled as a symbol of the collective collaboration of all PTFI personnel for the recovery of NTT.
The PTFI aid, distributed through Human Initiative, includes 700 packages consisting of Bedding Kits, Personal Hygiene Kits, and Shelter Kits. Additionally, PTFI is supporting the construction of five temporary shelters (Huntara) and four emergency schools to help meet the needs of affected communities during the emergency response period.
Meanwhile, Governor Melki expressed his appreciation for PTFI’s support in assisting the government in managing the impact of the earthquake. “Thank you to PT Freeport Indonesia. This aid is not merely figures and goods, but tangible proof of mutual cooperation (gotong royong). We cannot fight alone; the support of the business world, institutions, and the wider community is greatly needed so that recovery can proceed faster,” said Melki.
PTFI Employees Raise Donations
In addition to the corporate contribution, PTFI employees from various locations, including Tembagapura, Kuala Kencana, Nabire, Gresik, and Jakarta, also raised donations through the #PTFIPeduliNTT movement.
“This movement shows that caring for others knows no regional boundaries. From Mimika, Nabire, Gresik to Jakarta, the PTFI family is together demonstrating the spirit of mutual cooperation to help the people of NTT,” said Tony Wenas.
PTFI’s response to the NTT earthquake disaster began during the early stages of the disaster. PTFI dispatched an Emergency Preparedness & Response (EP&R) team, along with doctors and paramedics from Timika, to join the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Disaster Alert team in providing support to affected communities.
The PTFI team provided medical and emergency response support in several affected locations in Flores, including Wae Malang, Haju Wangi, Liang Dalo, Golo Wontong, and Waso villages.
“Since mid-August, PTFI has sent six personnel consisting of rescue teams and medical staff to NTT. The team arrived on 22 August and served until 31 August to assist in rescue efforts and provide health services to affected communities,” said Tony Wenas.
“During their service, the PTFI medical team provided services to almost 500 patients. All activities were coordinated with the Ministry of ESDM through the emergency response post,” he added.
In addition to working through Human Initiative, PTFI also distributed humanitarian aid through the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). This aid consisted of 300 Hygiene Kits, 300 food packages, 300 Shelter Kits, and 300 Bedding Kits. PTFI also facilitated the delivery of aid from the Kompas Humanitarian Fund, comprising approximately 70 boxes of canned food and medicines, weighing a total of about 1 tonne.
PTFI’s support for the earthquake-affected communities in NTT is part of the company’s tangible commitment to being present during disasters and supporting communities across various regions in Indonesia.
In January 2026, PTFI distributed humanitarian aid for flood and landslide survivors in Sumatra through Human Initiative and the PMI. Previously, PTFI also deployed emergency response teams to support rescue operations for victims of the collapse of the Al-Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo in 2025. PTFI has also provided aid to communities affected by floods, landslides, and droughts in several regions of Indonesia.
Through these various responses, PTFI continues to strive to uphold the spirit of mutual cooperation with the government, the community, and various humanitarian partners to provide real benefits to those in need.