Jakarta, ThedailyID — Freeport Indonesia honored seven workers who died in a wet material flow incident at the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in Papua.
The incident occurred on September 8, 2025, at the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mining operation.
Freeport President Director Tony Wenas paid tribute to the workers during Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day ceremony in Mimika, Papua, on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Tony described the incident as one of the company’s toughest challenges during nearly six decades of operations in Papua.
The seven workers were Balisang Telile, Dadang Hermanto, Holong Silaban, Irawan, Victor Ballesteros, Wigih Hartono and Zaverius Magai.
“Their service, dedication and contribution will always remain an inseparable part of the journey and history of this company,” Tony said during the ceremony.
He said the incident reinforced the company’s commitment to workplace safety.
“Nothing is more valuable than the safety of our fellow workers,” he said.
Following the incident, Freeport Indonesia halted its operations and focused its efforts on searching for the trapped workers.
Tony said the experience strengthened the company’s commitment to building a stronger safety culture based on discipline and mutual responsibility.
He also emphasized that workers must continue reminding one another about the importance of safety in mining operations.
