PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), the operator of the Martabe Gold Mine, has extended crucial aid to communities impacted by devastating floods and landslides in North Sumatra. The company conveyed its profound condolences to all residents affected by the calamity, particularly expressing sympathy for the families of victims, those suffering from injuries or health issues, and individuals displaced by the disaster. This message was reiterated in a press statement issued on Friday, November 28.
PTAR’s comprehensive relief efforts encompass a wide array of vital provisions and services:
- Establishment of four critical disaster relief posts located in Batu Hula, Sumuran, Sopo Daganak, and the Sub-district Office. These posts collectively offer safe refuge for over 700 residents from severely impacted areas, notably Garoga, Hutagodang, Batu Horing, and Huta Raja villages. Each facility is fully equipped with essential health services, communal kitchens, and dedicated cooking staff to meet immediate needs.
- Distribution of essential supplies including food, ready-to-eat meals, staple food packages, and mineral water, ensuring the basic necessities of the affected citizens are met. This support also extends to delivering food packages to the remote and hard-to-reach areas of Huta Raja.
- Provision of warm clothing, blankets, and specialized items tailored to the unique requirements of the evacuees, offering comfort and dignity during displacement.
- Deployment of medical professionals to provide comprehensive health services and critical medicines at each relief post, addressing immediate health concerns and preventing further complications.
- Mobilization of a dedicated Emergency Response Team (ERT), complete with rubber boats, to facilitate swift evacuations and execute emergency relief operations in perilous conditions.
- Implementation of emergency logistical services, including the deployment of a helicopter to distribute vital supplies to isolated locations. The helicopter also plays a crucial role in supporting the mobility of PLN (state electricity company) personnel, thereby accelerating the restoration of essential power networks.
- Deployment of heavy machinery, including excavators and backhoe loaders, to collaborate with local government efforts in clearing landslide-blocked roads and bridges, swiftly restoring crucial access routes for aid and recovery.
Demonstrating its unwavering commitment, PTAR stands ready to expand the number of relief posts and public kitchens should the need arise and access permits. The company is continuously strengthening its collaborative ties with the Local Government, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), TNI/Polri (Indonesian military and police), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), various partners, and local stakeholders. This robust coordination ensures that all efforts — from evacuation and aid distribution to health services — are executed efficiently, strategically, and in full alignment with government directives.
“The safety and well-being of our employees, partners, and the community remain our paramount priority,” PTAR emphasized. “Currently, PTAR is channeling all its efforts towards disaster management, comprehensive evacuation support, medical assistance, efficient logistics distribution, and reinforcing coordination with all relevant authorities. This integrated approach ensures a response that is not only swift and targeted but also fully compliant with the highest safety standards.”
PTAR on Alleged Causes of Floods and Landslides
PTAR has also addressed public concerns regarding the alleged causes of the disaster, which has been a significant topic of discussion among Indonesian netizens. The company clarified, “We deem it essential to disseminate information confirming that the flash flood location in Garoga Village is situated within the Garoga/Aek Ngadol River Basin Area (DAS). This area is distinct and entirely unconnected to the Aek Pahu River Basin Area, where PTAR’s operations are located.”
Furthermore, PTAR’s extensive monitoring of the Aek Pahu River Basin Area has revealed no evidence of timber materials that could be linked to debris found in the flooded regions. Despite this clarification, PTAR unequivocally supports a comprehensive investigation by the government into all contributing factors of this disaster and pledges its full, transparent cooperation throughout the inquiry.
PTAR reiterates its firm commitment to providing continuous and appropriate support throughout the entirety of the disaster management process, ensuring ongoing assistance to affected communities.
Summary
PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR), operator of the Martabe Gold Mine, provided comprehensive aid to communities affected by devastating floods and landslides in North Sumatra. The company established four relief posts, offering shelter, health services, and essential supplies for over 700 residents. PTAR deployed medical teams, an Emergency Response Team for evacuations, and utilized a helicopter for logistics to isolated areas. Heavy machinery was also deployed to clear blocked roads and bridges, demonstrating PTAR’s commitment to supporting the recovery efforts.
PTAR addressed public concerns regarding the floods’ causes, clarifying that the flash flood location in the Garoga/Aek Ngadol River Basin is distinct from PTAR’s operational area in the Aek Pahu River Basin. The company’s monitoring found no evidence of timber from its area linked to flood debris. PTAR supports a comprehensive government investigation into the disaster and pledges full cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to ongoing support for affected communities.
