Preparing Future Talent, Pani Gold Project Sends Local Employees to Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine
The Pani Gold Project has once again demonstrated its commitment to developing local human resources. On August 1, 2025, a ceremony was held to welcome back Batch 1 participants of the Talent Development Program (TDP) VII: Processing Trainee, who had completed two months of training at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi, East Java, and to send off Batch 2 participants who will undergo the same program.
The training program is designed to prepare skilled workers who will eventually operate the Pani Gold Project, which is projected to begin production in the first quarter of 2026. Training takes place at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine because is applies the heap leach method, the same processing method that will be implemented at the Pani Gold Project. The Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine, managed by PT Bumi Suksesindo, is a key asset of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, which also oversees the Pani Gold Project.
The Pani Gold Project will be managed by applying responsible mining practices to ensure the safe and sustainable use of resources. Containing more than 7 million ounces of gold, the project is set to become one of the largest primary gold mines in the Asia-Pacific region.
Since late 2023, the TDP has run seven batches, with most focusing on enhancing the skills of heavy equipment operators, and one batch dedicated to mentoring vocational school teachers—bringing direct benefits to the local community. The program is a strategic initiative to ensure local workers are ready to compete in the modern mining industry.
Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail, who attended the event, expressed his appreciation. “The Pani Gold Project has proven its commitment to improving education and human resources in Gorontalo Province through workforce training,” said Gusnar, before encouraging the trainees: “You must continue to push yourselves to grow.”
The Pani Gold Project’s contribution to education goes beyond workforce training. By mid-2025, four schools in Pohuwato Regency had been renovated—SD 02, SD 05, SMP 02 Buntulia, and SDN 09 Buntulia. These renovations, aimed at creating more comfortable learning environments, were complemented by sports equipment and other supporting facilities. The TDP event was also held at the newly renovated SDN 09 Buntulia, marking the official handover of the renovation to the school.
Pohuwato Deputy Regent Iwan S. Adam emphasized the importance of community support for investment and expressed his gratitude for the company’s contribution to school renovations.
Pani Gold Project Director Boyke P. Abidin added: “As a good neighbor, we continue to prove our commitment to developing human resources, both in Pohuwato Regency and Gorontalo Province.”
One training alumnus, Renard Andrey Van Gobel from Duhiadaa District, Pohuwato Regency, shared: “This program instills discipline and responsibility in us. Thank you for this valuable opportunity.”
Of the Batch 1 TDP VII participants who had just returned from Banyuwangi, 92 percent were from Pohuwato Regency. This reflects the company’s commitment to prioritizing local workers, preparing them for the workforce while also supporting the future operations of the mining project. By combining technical training, mental readiness, and the opportunity to learn from an internationally recognized mine, the company is building a strong foundation for the community’s long-term sustainability.
Annisa Nur Fitriani, HR Senior Supervisor at the Pani Gold Project, also reminded the departing participants: “Uphold the reputation of your hometown, maintain proper conduct and ethics during training. Learning doesn’t stop with one program. Curiosity must always be nurtured.”
