Merdeka Group Celebrates Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day with Togetherness Across Its Operations
The 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day provided a meaningful opportunity for Merdeka Group’s subsidiaries to strengthen bonds among employees and their families. A range of activities was held, from competitions, sports, and entertainment to the annual flag-raising ceremony on August 17. Ceremonies and various competitions were also held at several Merdeka Group mining operations, including the Wetar Copper Mine on Wetar Island, Southwest Maluku, and the Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM) Mine in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi.
This year’s Independence Day celebration at Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine was particularly special as it coincided with the 14th anniversary of PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI). Held as a family gathering at Tujuh Bukit Futsal Stadium, the event invited employees’ families to join the BSI family in celebrating the occasion. It also marked a thanksgiving for achieving 25 million working hours without a lost time injury (LTI). Roelly Fransza, BSI’s Mine Technical Head, linked the achievement to BSI’s anniversary theme, Defying the Limits, which he said reflected BSI’s spirit throughout its 14-year journey.
As in previous years, the flag-raising ceremony was accompanied by traditional Independence Day competitions. At BSI, competitions such as cracker eating, putting a nail into a bottle, and team ball-moving provided opportunities for management and directors to join employees in the festivities. The celebration also featured cultural performances, activities for children and families, and support for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through 14 booths offering food, beverages, and various other products.
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At several Merdeka Group subsidiaries, Independence Day celebrations even began before August 17. At the AIM Plant (Acid, Iron, Metal) in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, operated by PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI), the series of activities had been underway since July 2026. Various competitions were held, including AIM Idol, E-Football, badminton, 3×3 basketball, table tennis, fun games, and a fashion show. Following the August 17 ceremony, AIM Plant employees enjoyed a martial arts performance by the Asset Protection team and participated in traditional Independence Day competitions, including coin biting and straw relay using their mouths.
“Through activities like these, we hope all employees can build stronger relationships, support one another, and continue to make their best contributions to the company and the communities around our operational areas,” said Diaz Vatriando, President Director of MTI.
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Hundreds of kilometers from the AIM Plant, the Pani Gold Mine, operated by PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (MGR) in Pohuwato, Gorontalo, celebrated Indonesia’s Independence Day over two days. On August 16, around 1,000 employees and their families took part in a five-kilometer Healthy Walk in Marisa. Following the August 17 ceremony led by Boyke P. Abidin, President Director of MGR, the celebration continued with tug-of-war, cracker eating, and a paired balloon dance competition.
During the ceremony, Boyke said that workplace safety was a form of respect for employees’ families, making it important for everyone to care for one another and take a preventive approach. In his view, employees who do so are heroes. “A hero is someone who dares to remind a colleague, even a close friend, and who would rather be five minutes late than lose a life,” he said.
Across its operational areas, Merdeka Group’s diverse Independence Day celebrations are rooted in a spirit of togetherness. Amid the demands of daily operations, these activities provided opportunities for employees and their families to come together and strengthen their bonds.
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