Batang Toru, 29 September 2025 – Since 2011, thousands of North Sumatra residents have regained their sight thanks to PT Agincourt Resources’ (PTAR) Free Cataract Surgery program. More than just an annual social activity, this initiative has grown into a legacy of the company’s dedication to improving the quality of life of communities around the Martabe Gold Mine. In 2025, the program, themed “Open Your Eyes, See the Beauty of the World,” returns with a target of 1,400 eyes for the surgery on across five locations, starting at Bhayangkara Hospital Batang Toru, South Tapanuli.
PTAR General Manager of Operations & Deputy Director of Operations, Rahmat Lubis, stated that the opening of this series of operations is an important momentum for expanding access to eye health cares for the community, especially those who have difficulty in reaching medical services. A number of cataract patients living in the direct affected village of Batang Toru and Muara Batang Toru also benefited from this program.
“Cataracts often lead to a loss of productivity and independence. Through this program, we aim to restore hope and improve the quality of life for communities, particularly those living in the direct affected villages surrounding the Martabe Gold Mine,” he said.
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During the cataract surgeries held in Batang Toru from 26–28 September, a total of 357 cataract cases were successfully operated on. The surgeries will continue in Batang Toru on 3–5 October, followed by RSUD Pandan on 17–19 October, RSUD Sipirok on 24–26 October, and RS Mata Siantar on 21–23 November. The series of operations will conclude at RS Mata Mencirim 77 Medan on 29–30 November.
Since it was first launched in 2011 and continuing until 2024, the PTAR Free Cataract Surgery program has operated on 12,173 cataract eyes belonging to 10,684 people.
Head of the South Tapanuli Health Office, dr. Sri Khairunnisa, expressed her appreciation for PTAR’s consistent support of community’s health.
” Since its launch, this program has expanded beyond the region and delivered significant benefits to the community. PTAR’s support is demonstrated not only through the cataract surgery initiative but also through various other programs in the health sector,” she said.
She expressed her hope that the program would be sustained, enabling its impact to reach and benefit a greater number of communities across other regions.
One of the cataract patients who had just undergone surgery is Endang Siregar, 49 years old. For the past 10 months, the resident of Perkebunan Batang Toru village had experienced vision problem due to cataracts.
Household chores became increasingly exhausting, and even her small home-based business of selling was disrupted. When she got the information about the free cataract surgery program initiated by PTAR, the mother of three children and grandmother of one grandchild registered herself.
”I choose to undergo this surgery because I want to see clearly again and enjoy the beauty of the world. I also hope to be able to sell food from home again and return to normal activities, particularly enjoying precious moments with my family and grandchild,” Endang said.
The surgery, which lasted only about 10 minutes, initially made her anxious. However, she realized that having the courage to undergo the procedure was an important step toward opening up opportunities for a better life.
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” After the surgery, I feel deeply grateful and happy as my vision has started to improve. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Martabe Gold Mine for providing this free cataract surgery, which means so much to me and the people of Batang Toru,” Endang said.
The implementation of Martabe Gold Mine’s free cataract surgery program involves close collaboration with various parties, including Bhayangkara Hospital Batang Toru, Pandan Regional General Hospital, Sipirok Regional General Hospital, Siantar Eye Hospital, Mencirim 77 Medan Eye Hospital, and the South Tapanuli District Health Office.
In addition to restoring vision, this program is part of PTAR’s commitment to the 3rd Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages. For PTAR, the community’s health is an integral part of responsible and sustainable mining practices.
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