Batang Toru, July 3, 2025 – PT Agincourt Resources, the operator of the Martabe Gold Mine, launched the program “Action to Make Ecobricks from the Heart for the Earth” in Garoga Village, Batang Toru Subdistrict, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. This program aims to collect and process 10,000 plastic bottles into ecobricks while also raising public awareness about the importance of sustainable waste management based on the principles of a circular economy.
General Manager Operations & Deputy Director Operations of Agincourt Resources, Rahmat Lubis, stated that “Ecobrick Action from the Heart for the Earth” is an initiative by PT Agincourt Resources (PTAR) to commemorate World Environment Day, which this year carries the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This initiative aligns with the sustainability principles that the Company always upholds.
“This initiative is also part of our broader theme, Living in Harmony, which emphasizes the balance between operational performance, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. This effort also represents our support for the national targets of managing 50% of waste by 2025 and 100% by 2029,” said Rahmat after launching the program on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The program involves four waste banks supported by PTAR: Gocap, Satahi, Naposo Hamubaon, and Rap Hita Paias. Over the next 6 to 8 months, they will undergo collaborative training with Waste4Change and Yamantab Waste Bank to produce ecobricks independently.
Following the program launch, PTAR held a Creative Environmental Management Workshop on ecobrick-making on July 3, 2025, at Sopo Daganak, Batang Toru. The workshop was attended by representatives from Adiwiyata schools in Batang Toru, environmental community groups, and the four waste banks partner supported by PTAR.
Rahmat explained that since the Martabe Gold Mine began operations in 2011, the company has implemented various environmental preservation programs, ranging from conservation and reclamation to circular-based domestic waste management, including the construction of a waste sortation facility (WSF) within the mining area.
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From June 2024 to May 2025, approximately 71% of the total waste entering the WSF can be recycled or resold. The WSF, managed by a local vendor, also processes waste into economically valuable products such as Eco Enzyme, maggots, furniture, and compost.
“Since 2 years ago, we have prohibited employees and contractors from using single-use plastic bottles in the workplace and required them to use refillable bottles,” said Rahmat.
As part of the World Environment Day celebration series, PTAR also released 1,000 jurung fish into the lubuk larangan in Garoga Village, and planted 500 tree seedlings, including sugar palm (aren), durian, avocado, matoa (Pometia pinnata), jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum), and mangosteen.
Garoga Village was chosen as the commemoration location cannot be separated from its achievement as the 1st Place winner of the Eco-Friendly Village Competition held by PTAR in 2024. Garoga Village is considered capable of creating a clean and healthy environment through various efforts, including establishing a waste bank, cultivating family medicinal plants, and conserving water in the Garoga River.
The Regent of South Tapanuli, Gus Irawan, welcomed PTAR’s initiative to reduce plastic waste through community-involved recycling education. He emphasized the importance of solid collaboration between companies, local governments, and communities in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
“Efforts to reduce plastic waste are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.” Meanwhile, tree planting is a tangible way to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. This is not just a step for today, but a long-term investment for the future of our children and grandchildren,” he said.
