Home Rebuilding in Mine Ring Areas
As we walk through the villages surrounding the mine, amidst the captivating natural beauty, we will easily come across houses in dire conditions. These houses are constructed with improvised materials and lack sturdiness. Upon closer inspection, we will notice holes in their roofs and floors, highlighting the absence of proper sanitation. This issue became a major concern for H. Robert Nitiyudo Wachjo, the owner and President Director of NHM, when he acquired the majority stake in the company in March 2020.
Prompted by this concern, the concept of the “Bedah Rumah” program was promptly discussed. H. Robert pledged to allocate the necessary budget for the initiative. The Social Performance team worked diligently to develop and coordinate the plans for rebuilding or redeveloping these houses in collaboration with the mine ring community officials. Ultimately, a budget of IDR 60,000,000 per house was agreed upon for the program. This allocation included IDR 40,000,000 for construction, IDR 10,000,000 for household equipment, and an additional IDR 10,000,000 to directly support the house owners.
The program has made rapid progress and has been widely accepted by the communities. As of November 2022, a total of 141 new houses have been constructed and inaugurated. The completed housing units are distributed as follows: 18 houses in Kao Teluk District, 24 houses in Malifut District, 34 houses in Kao District, 21 houses in North Kao District, and 44 houses in West Kao District. As of August 30, 2021, the budget allocated for the Home Renovation program has reached IDR 5,870,000,000.
Inggit Ganarsi of Tiowor Village Now Lives in a Better House
Inggit Ganarsi, commonly known as Mama Owa, is a widow with two children residing in Tiowor Village, Kao Teluk district, North Halmahera. She is among the beneficiaries of the Village Home Renovation Program. Tiowor Village, where Mama Owa lives, is situated within the mining ring area of PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals (NHM). Mama Owa and her two children were overjoyed to witness their previously dilapidated makeshift house transformed into a sturdy concrete dwelling, now clean and healthy. The reconstruction of Mama Owa’s house took place between September 11 and December 1, 2020.
Iskandar Karim, the village head of Tiowor, shares the collective joy of the villagers who actively participated in the reconstruction of Mama Owa’s house. “We are grateful to God and extend our heartfelt thanks to Bapak Haji Robert on behalf of all the residents of Tiowor. One of our villagers, who previously resided in a substandard dwelling, now has a good and healthy home. Thank you, God,” expressed Iskandar, who also serves as the head of the Village Heads Forum in Kao Teluk district, during a conversation with a communication team from NHM.
The initiative for the home makeover program originated from H. Robert Nitiyudo, the owner and President Director of NHM. “I do not want to witness any unfit living conditions in houses around the mining site. It saddens me to see such conditions. Let us assist them,” conveyed Haji Robert during a land exploration trip, surveying the roads near the mining site.
Halmaheraraya.id, November 5, 2021
DPRD Halut Appreciates Haji Robert Peduli’s Home Renovation Program
The Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of North Halmahera (Halut) Regency expressed its appreciation and support for the home renovation program initiated by PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals (NHM) owner, Haji Robert Nitiyudo Wachjo, for the underprivileged communities living near the mine. “This institution (DPRD) acknowledges and fully supports Haji Robert’s initiative to construct better houses for the underprivileged residents residing in the vicinity of the mine,” stated Janlis Gehanua Kitong, the chairman of DPRD Halut, on Friday (11/05/2021).
Janlis mentioned that Haji Robert’s management of NHM has brought about significant improvements in the gold mining company’s relationship with the local people compared to the Newcrest era. He further stated, “The Haji Robert Peduli program exemplifies the company’s commitment to various sectors such as agriculture, religion, education, and humanitarian efforts, aimed at enhancing the well-being of villages and districts. Haji Robert demonstrates this through humanitarian and religious actions, upholding the values of harmony and peace for the communities residing in the five districts surrounding the mine, namely Kao, Malifut, Kao Teluk, Kao Barat, and Kao Utara.”
The politician added that Haji Robert’s care program and NHM’s Community Empowerment Program (PPM) in terms of corporate social responsibility have made significant strides in improving the welfare of the area surrounding the mine. “Undoubtedly, the owner of NHM’s humanitarian actions deserve commendation, as his concern for the poor is genuinely heartfelt. Haji Robert’s humanitarian efforts are deserving of support, and I hope they continue to empower the community through home repair initiatives,” he expressed. (man)
