PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk once again received recognition for its commitment to respecting human rights, in line with the implementation of the fifth pillar of Merdeka Sustainability Strategy. At the 2025 Business and Human Rights Award, held alongside the launch of the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Benchmark Report, Merdeka was honored as a company that has implemented human rights respect. The event  was organized by SETARA Institute at the Pullman Hotel, Jakarta, on 25 November 2025. The award was presented by Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Elfonda Mekel, to Bahtiar Manurung, Merdeka’s ESG & Climate Change Manager.
Developed by SETARA Institute with support from the Tarumanagara Jakarta Foundation, the RBC Benchmark aims to strengthen responsible, human-rights–based business practices in Indonesia. The instrument assess the extent to which Business and Human Rights principles—particularly those referring to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)—as well as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability principles have been systematically integrated into companies’ policies, governance structures, and operational practices.
The assessment is carried out comprehensively through a review of documented practices, public reporting, internal mechanisms, and companies’ responses to human rights risks and impacts. In the study’s results, Merdeka was listed among the highest-scoring companies out of 18 mining companies evaluated.
As the organizer, SETARA Institute is known for promoting pluralism, humanity, democracy, and human rights. Through SIGI—a dedicated unit focusing on inclusive and sustainable governance based on the UNGPs—SETARA continues to advance responsible business practices in Indonesia.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the Director General of Human Rights Services and Compliance at the Ministry of Human Rights, Munafrizal Manan; Chair of the SETARA Institute National Council, Hendardi; Chair of the SETARA Institute Governing Board, Ismail Hasani; Executive Director of SETARA Institute, Halili Hasan; as well as representatives from companies achieving the highest scores in the RBC Benchmark study.
