September 9, 2025 | 09:13 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said he's sending a team to inspect the Grasberg Block Cave underground mining site operated by Freeport Indonesia in Tembagapura, Mimika, Central Papua, which was struck by a landslide.
Bahlil pledged to inform the public once he receives more information about the incident. "After the onsite team concludes their inspection, we will provide proper information," he said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The chair of the Golkar Party admitted that he had only received the information from the President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas last night.
Seven workers reportedly remain trapped inside the underground mining site following a landslide.
The spokesperson of PT Freeport Indonesia, Katri Krisnati, said the mining operation has been temporarily suspended. The company prioritizes clearing access routes and safe evacuation for the seven contractor workers still trapped in the affected landslide area.
"The location of the trapped workers has been identified, and they are believed to be in a safe condition," said Katri in Timika, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
The landslide occurred late Monday night, around 10:00 p.m. local time. She explained that a large flow of wet materials blocked access to one of its five underground production blocks. This situation hindered the evacuation process of seven workers.
Nevertheless, Katri said there are always emergency shelter facilities or chambers inside underground mining sites for workers in case of hazardous situations.
The chamber is equipped with a clean air supply, logistics, and communication facilities to ensure the safety of workers in situations such as fire, collapse, or exposure to toxic gas. Currently, Katri added, the PT Freeport Emergency Response Group team is striving for the immediate evacuation of the seven trapped workers.
"All other workers are confirmed to be safe," said Katri.
Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Landslide Traps Seven Workers at Freeport Indonesia's Underground Mining Site
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
South Korea to Charter Plane to Bring Back Workers Detained in U.S. Hyundai Plant
1 jam lalu
South Korea will send a chartered plane to Atlanta on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to repatriate the workers who were detained in a recent immigration raid.
Landslide Traps Seven Workers at Freeport Indonesia's Underground Mining Site
4 jam lalu
PT Freeport Indonesia ensures the safety of seven trapped miners and awaits the evacuation process. Mining operations temporarily halted.
South Korea Minister Heads to U.S. Following Hyundai ICE Raid
1 hari lalu
South Korea arranged for workers detained in an immigration raid in Georgia to be released and flown home.
South Korea Angered as Hundreds of Hyundai Employees Arrested in the US
2 hari lalu
Hundreds of South Korean Hyundai employees were arrested by U.S. immigration authorities, angering South Korea.
Facts About 2025 Pestapora Music Festival: Many Bands Cancel Performances Because of Freeport
2 hari lalu
A number of bands canceled their performances on the second and third day of 2025 Pestapora music festival because Freeport was involved in the event.
Pestapora Music Festival Director Admits Negligence in Establishing Cooperation with Freeport
2 hari lalu
Director of Pestapora Music Festival, Rizky Aulia, has stated that they have terminated the partnership with PT Freeport Indonesia.
Sukatani Explains Pestapora Show Cancellation Over Freeport Sponsorship
3 hari lalu
The punk band Sukatani has revealed the reasons behind the cancellation of their scheduled performance at the Pestapora 2025 music festival.
Pestapora Festival Director Apologizes After Freeport Sponsorship Sparks Backlash
3 hari lalu
The director of Pestapora 2025 issued a statement regarding the cancellation of performances and the controversy surrounding PT Freeport Indonesia.
Performers Withdraw from Jakarta's Pestapora 2025 Over Freeport Sponsorship
3 hari lalu
Several bands like Sukatani and Kelelawar Malam have collectively announced their withdrawal from Pestapora 2025 due to being sponsored by Freeport.
Jakarta Workers Stage Long March to Protest Unjust Policies, Repressive Actions
5 hari lalu
Gebrak Alliance raises five main demands in this long march rally.
