YPMAK Explores Cooperation with Hospitals in Java for Referral Patients

The Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK), which manages the partnership funds of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), has recently been exploring cooperation with several hospitals in Java for the advanced care (referral) of patients from the seven tribes of Mimika Regency, Central Papua. YPMAK Chairman Leonardus Tumuka stated in Timika on Thursday that during a recent visit to Solo, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya, the foundation’s management and Health Division conducted a series of activities, including the signing of a renewed cooperation agreement with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital in Solo regarding the referral of patients from the seven tribes of Mimika. “The cooperation with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital Solo is a continuation of a previous partnership concerning the handling of referral patients from Mimika Regency,” Leonardus explained. During the trip to Java, YPMAK also explored potential cooperation with several other hospitals in Solo, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. These hospitals include the Emirates Indonesia Cardiology Hospital in Solo, Dr Sardjito General Hospital, Gadjah Mada University Academic Hospital, Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta, Panti Rapih Hospital Yogyakarta, and the Ministry of Health Hospital in Surabaya. The initiative also aims to serve members of the seven tribes from Mimika who are visiting their children studying in Java, as well as students and university attendees sent by YPMAK to various cities for their studies. “When parents happen to be on holiday or visiting their children there, or if YPMAK scholarship recipients fall ill, they can access health services at the hospitals we have or will partner with,” he clarified. Specifically regarding the extension of the cooperation with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital in Solo, Leonardus said it was crucial given the high community demand for treatment of bone disorders, whether due to accidents or other medical conditions. “There are even patients who have received assistance for more than five years, and YPMAK will continue to support them until the treatment process is truly complete,” he said. According to Leonardus, YPMAK’s support does not stop at sending patients to referral hospitals but also includes assistance during the treatment period until the patient returns to their home area. To date, YPMAK has established partnerships with more than 10 hospitals in Java, including in Jakarta, for the treatment of referral patients from Mimika who are members of the seven tribes, as well as for the care of scholarship students who fall ill.