Health campaign for children on Wetar Island, Southwest Maluku (Photo: Hartono Widodo).
Merdeka Group is committed to supporting the well-being of communities surrounding its mining operations through sustainable development based on principles of respect for local cultures, beliefs, and values. We achieve this through policies, standards, procedures, and programs implemented across all operational areas, adopting an open and transparent approach in communicating with stakeholders.
Merdeka’s approach to sustainable community development is grounded in the Merdeka Sustainability Policy, which encompasses a series of subsidiary policies and standards. Following the Sustainability Policy, the relevant policies and standards in order are the Community Policy, Community Standards, Baseline and Social Impact Assessment Standards, Stakeholder Engagement Standard and the Community Development and Empowerment Standards.
The Merdeka Community Policy serves as a guide for all business entities and contractors in carrying out corporate social responsibilities. We recognize the importance of obtaining social license from the early stages of operations, in line with the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. In our efforts to manage social impacts, we emphasize respect for vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and minorities, and regularly conduct social impact assessments.
The Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM) forms one of the pillars of our sustainability strategy. The PPM is designed based on social impact assessments, community grievances, and the results of the Development Planning Meetings, covering eight areas: education, health, real income or employment, economic self-sufficiency, social and cultural aspects, community participation in environmental management, community institution strengthening, and infrastructure development.
Merdeka Group provides a grievance mechanism managed by an independent party to ensure transparency and effectiveness in responding to community feedback and complaints.
In addition, taking into account the culture of each operational region of the business entity, complaints can also be submitted through mechanisms established by each Merdeka’s business entity.
In its operations, Merdeka is committed to maintaining harmonious relationships with local communities and avoiding conflicts and violence.
The implementation of social programs is supervised by the Head of Mining Engineering or General Manager and reported to the Board of Directors, with the Vice President Director serving as Chair of the Sustainability Committee, which sets strategies and oversees the company’s social performance.
For more information on community management performance, see the 2023 Sustainability Report, pp. 140–153.
