KOLAKA, August 11, 2026 – PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) continues to strengthen its commitment to building open, respectful, and constructive relationships with local communities in Kolaka Regency.
This commitment was reflected in a visit by representatives of the Tamalaki indigenous community to PT Vale on Tuesday (August 11, 2026). The meeting provided a warm and collaborative forum for dialogue, partnership, and the strengthening of shared efforts to support sustainable socio-economic development in Wonua Mekongga.
The visit brought together representatives from 26 Tamalaki indigenous organizations, representing three major groups: Gabungan Aliansi, Poros Tengah, and Formakom.
In a spirit of mutual respect and community, indigenous leaders shared their perspectives, aspirations, and support for the continued development of PT Vale's investment in Wonua Mekongga.
As part of Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID), PT Vale places sustainability, good governance, and stakeholder engagement at the heart of its business approach. In Kolaka Regency, this commitment is demonstrated through open dialogue with local stakeholders, including indigenous communities, to ensure that the company's presence aligns with regional development priorities and community needs.
The meeting served as an opportunity to build a shared understanding of the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for investment while ensuring that socio-economic benefits are distributed more broadly throughout the community.
Through ongoing communication and engagement, PT Vale and indigenous communities continue to foster a common understanding that sustainable development depends on trust, participation, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Mansiral Usman, Chairman of Tamalaki Wuta Kalosara Southeast Sulawesi, emphasized the significance of bringing together different Tamalaki indigenous groups in a single forum with PT Vale.
According to Usman, the gathering demonstrated a shared commitment to maintaining a healthy investment climate in Kolaka Regency.
"This is an important moment for us because the three main elements of the Tamalaki indigenous community are able to come together with the same spirit and purpose. We are grateful and express our full support for PT Vale's investment in Wonua Mekongga," said Mansiral.
He noted that PT Vale's presence has had a positive impact on the community, particularly in creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economic activity. He expressed hope that the strong relationship established thus far would continue to grow, allowing the benefits of investment to be felt more broadly across the region.
A similar perspective was shared by Jabir Lahukuwi, Chairman of the Regional Community Self-Reliance Forum (Forsda).
He stressed that investment in Kolaka Regency is a shared responsibility because it is closely linked to community welfare and the region's long-term development.
"We want to safeguard investment in Kolaka Regency. If this investment fails, everyone will be affected. Our natural resources have already been developed, and we must ensure that investment continues to move forward," Jabir said.
Community Aspirations for Inclusive Growth
In addition to expressing their support, Tamalaki indigenous representatives also presented several constructive recommendations to PT Vale.
These aspirations reflect the community's expectation that the company's presence should not only drive investment growth but also create broader social and economic value for local residents.
Three key priorities emerged during the discussion:
1. Expanding Local Employment Opportunities
Representatives emphasized the importance of increasing the participation of local workers, particularly through PT Vale's business partners and contractors.
Broader local employment opportunities would enable more members of the Kolaka community to benefit directly from the growth and development of the project.
2. Supporting Education and Future Talent
Community representatives highlighted the importance of educational support, including scholarship opportunities for local youth.
Such initiatives are considered essential for preparing future generations with the skills, qualifications, and competitiveness needed to participate in an evolving economy and take on important roles in the future.
3. Strengthening Community Development Programs
The indigenous leaders also encouraged PT Vale to continue directing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs toward social empowerment, support for indigenous institutions, and economic development initiatives across Kolaka Regency.
Responding to the support and recommendations, Mohammad Rifai, Director of Project IGP Pomalaa at PT Vale, expressed appreciation for the participation of Tamalaki indigenous representatives and their role in helping maintain a constructive investment environment.
He emphasized that community support is a critical factor in ensuring projects can progress successfully and generate long-term benefits for the region.
Rifai also welcomed the feedback provided during the meeting, particularly regarding local workforce readiness, education, and community empowerment.
According to him, strong relationships between the company and local communities must continue to be nurtured through open communication, mutual respect, and a shared focus on common goals.
He further encouraged young people in Kolaka to prepare themselves to seize future employment opportunities as the project develops and workforce needs evolve. Building local talent capability, he noted, is essential to maximizing the benefits of investment for the broader community.
"We welcome the aspirations shared during this meeting. This feedback forms an important part of the ongoing dialogue we maintain with communities and stakeholders. We also encourage the younger generation in Kolaka to continue developing their skills and competencies so they are well prepared to take advantage of opportunities that emerge throughout the different phases of the project," Rifai said.
The visit by Tamalaki indigenous representatives highlights the importance of harmony between business and communities as a foundation for sustainable development in Wonua Mekongga.
With increasingly aligned perspectives, open dialogue, and partnerships built on mutual respect, PT Vale's presence in Kolaka Regency is expected to continue contributing to a conducive investment climate while supporting long-term socio-economic sustainability and shared prosperity for local communities.
