Merdeka Group’s Ramadan Safari: Strengthening Community Bonds Across Operational Areas
Ramadan brings a different rhythm to communities surrounding mining operations. As dusk approaches, activities slow down and residents gather at mosques or village halls. In these moments, several entities within the Merdeka Group engage through a series of Ramadan Safari programs—ranging from village visits and communal prayers to iftar gatherings and youth-focused initiatives—held throughout the holy month across various operational areas.
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Ramadan Safari in Routa
In Southeast Sulawesi, PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM) launched its 1447 H Ramadan Safari by visiting villages and sub-districts around its Routa mining area in Konawe.From February 22 to March 8, 2026, this annual program was once again welcomed by local communities. Each afternoon before iftar, representatives from various company departments, contractor partners, and SCM’s Head of Mining Engineering gathered at mosques or village halls. Together with residents, they broke the fast, listened to religious sermons, and engaged in informal conversations with community leaders.
The series began in Lalomerui Village, the closest to SCM’s mining site, and marked an important milestone with the inauguration of the newly renovated Al-Qautsar Mosque, fully supported by SCM.
“With the completion of this renovation, we hope the community can perform their worship more comfortably,” said Lalomerui Village Head, Taksir Unggahi.
The Ramadan Safari also fostered warm interactions, including through the “Anak Saleh” educational quiz. Children participated enthusiastically, offering candid answers that often drew laughter. Mothers accompanying them were occasionally invited to join as well.
As part of the program, SCM’s Community Affairs team and contractor partners distributed more than 350 Ramadan care packages to underprivileged households. These were symbolically handed over to village authorities for distribution.
“Through the Ramadan Safari and these donations, SCM hopes to further strengthen community ties,” said SCM Head of Mining Engineering, Didik Fotunadi. “Direct engagement and positive interactions form the foundation of a harmonious relationship between the company and the community.”
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Engaging Youth in Halmahera
A similar sense of togetherness was seen in Central Halmahera, North Maluku. Here, PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI) held Ramadan Safari events on February 27, 2026, at Babussalam Mosque in Makarti Jaya Village, and on February 28 at Ar-Rahman Mosque in Labota Village. Activities began before iftar with religious sermons, followed by communal breaking of the fast and prayers.
Beyond religious observances, MTI’s Ramadan Safari created space for youth engagement. In collaboration with Makarti Jaya Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), the company organized religious competitions involving students from ten local Qur’anic learning centers. Events ranged from archery and short surah memorization to young preacher contests, adhan, quiz competitions, and Ramadan vlogging. These activities encouraged both religious understanding and creativity among village youth.
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Ramadan Fair at Tujuh Bukit
In Banyuwangi, East Java, PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) introduced a different approach through Ramadan Fair 2026, involving 56 students from seven high schools in Pesanggaran and Siliragung districts.
Held every weekend since February 27, 2026, the program combined Islamic boarding-style activities with educational sessions. Days were filled with communal worship, followed by tarawih prayers and Qur’an recitation in the evenings. Participants also explored topics relevant to youth, such as the risks of early marriage and drug abuse.
They also received social media content training and joined a mine tour at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine.
“Mining is something we usually only see from the outside. Now I can see it firsthand,” said Raya, a participant from SMK PGRI Pesanggaran.
As part of the program, BSI held “Bumi Suksesindo Bersholawat” on March 7, 2026, at Tujuh Bukit Futsal Stadium, attended by hundreds of employees and student participants. The event also included donations to local orphans.
A dedicated session for female employees, titled “Resilient Women Welcoming Ramadan,” focused on practical topics such as emotional awareness and mental resilience in a demanding work environment.
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Extended Safari and Ramadan Market in Pohuwato
In Gorontalo Province, the Pani Gold Mine conducted an extensive Ramadan Safari from February 23 to March 19, 2026. A total of 29 events were held across villages and hamlets, in collaboration with mosque committees and involving multiple company departments.
Each visit included iftar gatherings, religious talks, and congregational prayers, reaching areas such as Hulawa, Taluduyunu, Buntulia, Bulangita, and Palopo. Activities were also regularly held at Baiturrahim Grand Mosque, including a large iftar event at Pohuwato Grand Mosque attended by local government and the public. Cooking oil was distributed at each event as direct support to residents.
“We are impressed by the community’s enthusiasm. Their warm responds gives positive energy to the company,” said Mahesha Lugiana, CSR Manager of Pani Gold Mine.
The program concluded with a Ramadan Market held in Buntulia and Marisa districts. Hundreds of residents accessed subsidized staple packages—worth Rp200,000 but redeemable at Rp50,000—to help meet household needs ahead of Eid. The initiative also reached traditional miners in collaboration with Pohuwato Police.
Through the combination of Ramadan Safari and the Ramadan Market, Pani Gold Mine delivered both social engagement and tangible economic support to surrounding communities.
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Ramadan activities across Merdeka Group’s mining areas may vary, but all are tailored to local needs and cultural contexts. Through sustained interaction and engagement, Ramadan Safari goes beyond religious observance. It creates shared spaces that strengthen communication and trust between the company and the communities it operates in.
