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The Community Development and Empowerment (PPM) programs of PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) and PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM) have received awards from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). The awards for the two subsidiaries of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk—with SCM operating under PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk—were presented at Apresiasi Minerba 2026, an award ceremony held as part of Minerba Convex, organized by ESDM on November 2–3, 2026, at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta.
At the Minerba Convex closing ceremony, BSI and SCM each received a top award in a different PPM category. BSI was recognized in the education category for Rumah Pintar, an inclusive non-formal education program. SCM, meanwhile, received an award in the institutional development category for its success in developing a Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes).
In Banyuwangi, East Java, Rumah Pintar, managed by BSI, offers a range of training programs for communities around the mine. The programs cater to participants of different ages. Schoolchildren can take courses in computer skills, English, and mathematics. Teenagers and young adults can attend online marketing training, while adults can develop skills in product processing.
Roelly Fransza, BSI Site Director and Chief Mining Engineer (Kepala Teknik Tambang/KTT), said that BSI’s PPM programs continue to evolve in response to community needs. “Although there are limits on the number of participants, Rumah Pintar offers a diverse range of programs and remains open to the community,” he said. “We are grateful that the program has been recognized as inclusive because it involves people of different ages. Its learning materials have also been considered effective in building community capacity.”
ESDM’s assessment involved administrative screening, interviews, and field verification conducted between July and September 2026. In addition to ESDM representatives, the assessment team included academics from Brawijaya University and the University of Indonesia. The diversity of Rumah Pintar’s participants and training materials was among the factors considered in evaluating the program’s inclusiveness.
Meanwhile, in Lalomerui Village, Routa District, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, SCM focuses on strengthening the BUMDes as a driver of the local economy. Through its assistance program, BUMDes administrators receive training in financial management, supply chain management, and meeting product quality standards.
A partnership with ADEN, SCM’s partner in catering management and operational logistics services for the mine, is also an important part of the program. ADEN acts as an offtaker, or committed buyer, purchasing agricultural and horticultural produce, as well as logistics supplies and basic necessities sourced through the BUMDes business units. This arrangement helps local farmers and businesses gain access to markets.
“Previously, farmers in Lalomerui Village often struggled to sell their harvests at stable prices,” said Darmon, Director of Lalomerui BUMDes. “SCM, through its Community Affairs Department, connected us with ADEN, providing real certainty of market access. Our BUMDes now has a more reliable source of income, and the local economy is becoming more resilient.”
“This award demonstrates that strong collaboration among regulators, the mining industry, village governments, BUMDes administrators, and contractor partners can bring about tangible, inclusive, and sustainable economic transformation in villages,” said Mangasa Erbang, SCM Senior Manager of External Affairs. “The success of this program has also depended on collaboration across departments within SCM.”
The two awards reflect complementary approaches to community empowerment: expanding access to learning and skills development, while strengthening local economic institutions so they can pursue business opportunities independently. Through these approaches, BSI and SCM seek to help communities build capacities and economic independence that can continue to grow over the long term.
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