President Jokowi Launches First 5G Mining Technology in Southeast Asia

President Jokowi launches 5G Mining technology at PTFI, Tembagapura District, Mimika, Papua, Thursday (01/09/2022). (Source: Screenshot)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (09/01) officially launched the 5G underground smart mining technology for the operation of gold and copper mining giant PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI).

“Today, we proved we have made a big leap by implementing the first 5G Smart Mining in Southeast Asia in collaboration with state-owned telecommunication provider Telkom Group and PT Freeport Indonesia,” the President said.

On that occasion, the President also underscored the importance of technological intervention to create remote control automation that can boost productivity and safety of PT Freeport Indonesia’s employees and improve mining sector in Indonesia generally located in remote and hard-to-access areas due to geographical connectivity that has not been adequately supported.

“Through the 5G underground smart mining technology, underground mining activities can be monitored by using cameras connected to Artificial Intelligence to prevent and reduce risks of work injury,” he said.

The President also directly inspected the use of the technology at PTFI’s Grasberg mine and expressed excitement because the country’s human resources, especially those in Papua, have skills in this latest technology.

“I am pleased to hear that deep underground mines have been controlled remotely. I have seen it firsthand. I am pleased that 99 percent of the total employees who control and operate the technology are Indonesians, especially from Papua,” he said.

The President also pointed out that PTFI would continue to produce qualified human resources to provide great contributions to the progress of the country’s mining industry.

“I believe this technology will make PT Freeport Indonesia even more recognized at the global level,” he remarked. (FID/UN) (RIF/EP)