In the darkness underground, plant roots and fungi form a remarkable relationship. They recognise one another, communicate, and exchange resources. This relationship is known as mycorrhiza, a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots that benefits both partners.

It Begins with a Signal

Plant roots play an important role in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. However, roots cannot always reach all the resources available around them. The soil is also home to a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms.

Plants therefore have their own way of finding the right “partner”.

When plants need the assistance of mycorrhizal fungi, their roots release chemical compounds known as strigolactones. These compounds act as signals that can be detected by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi around the roots.

The signal then triggers a response from the fungi. They produce compounds known as Myc factors, which help facilitate recognition between the fungi and the plant.

This exchange of signals marks the beginning of a closer relationship. It is almost like a silent conversation, conducted through a chemical language understood only by organisms living in the soil.

When Roots and Fungi Work Together

Once recognition has taken place, the fungi begin to move towards the plant roots. They form fine, thread-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae grow towards the roots and enter the root tissue through a process that allows the association to form without damaging the plant cells.

Inside the root cells, the hyphae form highly branched structures called arbuscules. These structures serve as one of the main sites where the exchange of resources between the plant and fungi takes place.

Fungi have an extensive network of fine hyphae that can reach areas of soil that are difficult for roots to access. Through this network, fungi help plants obtain water and nutrients, particularly phosphorus.In return, the plant provides the fungi with a portion of the products of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds that provide energy for growth. Some of these products are then allocated to the fungi, which help the plant obtain resources from the soil.

In other words, both partners provide what the other needs. The plant supplies carbon, while the fungi extend the plant’s ability to access resources in the soil.

A Small Conversation with a Big Impact

The relationship between plants and fungi does not end with the exchange of resources. Mycorrhiza also plays an important role in ecosystems, including supporting nutrient uptake by plants and contributing to the movement of carbon through the soil.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon then becomes part of the organic compounds used by plants for growth. Some of it is also allocated to the roots and organisms associated with them, including mycorrhizal fungi.

This shows that soil is more than simply a place where plants anchor their roots. It is a living ecosystem where countless organisms interact and influence one another.

Beneath the seemingly quiet surface, a network of life is constantly at work. Roots send signals, fungi respond, hyphae explore, and nutrients and carbon move from one organism to another.

If human relationships are built through communication, trust, and mutual support, nature has its own language. Plants and fungi communicate through chemical signals and the exchange of resources.

Romance beneath the soil can be found in a simple relationship of recognising, giving, and strengthening one another.

From this hidden partnership, plants are able to grow and ecosystems can continue to thrive.

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To bring these services closer to the community, Agincourt Resources collaborated with the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office and Sitinjak Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) to organise Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa in Siuhom Village, Angkola Barat, on 16 September 2026. The programme provided access to paediatric, internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynaecology specialists for residents of Paten, Tangga Batu, Aek Martolu, and Tapalan.

The event was attended by Head of the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office dr. Sri Khairunnisa, MH, MKM, Head of Angkola Barat Subdistrict Muhammad Tohir Pasaribu, Manager Community Development Agincourt Resources Rohani Simbolon, and Superintendent Exploration I Putu Suputra Utama.

Manager Community Development Agincourt Resources Rohani Simbolon said the activity formed part of the collaboration between Agincourt Resources, the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office, and the local Community Health Centre. The activity in Siuhom marked the third implementation of Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa in 2026. A total of 132 residents accessed healthcare services during the activity.

Total 98 patients were examined by an internal medicine specialist, 25 by a paediatrician, and nine by an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Patients’ health records were also documented at the Community Health Centre to support any necessary follow-up care.

Head of the Tapanuli Selatan Regency Health Office dr. Sri Khairunnisa, MH, MKM expressed hope that Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa would continue and reach more communities across Tapanuli Selatan Regency.

One of the residents who experienced the benefits of having specialist doctors available directly in the village was Esti Mariati Situmorang, a resident of Tangga Batu. She brought her two children for health examinations and took the opportunity to seek medical advice for stomach problems she had experienced over the previous few days.

For Esti, initiatives such as Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa help residents access medical examinations without having to travel long distances. She hopes that access to healthcare facilities and services in her area will continue to improve, making it easier for her family and the wider community to receive medical care when needed.

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist dr. Ryan Andrian, M.Ked(OG), Sp.OG. welcomed the proactive approach taken through Dokter Spesialis Masuk Desa. According to him, bringing specialist services directly into the community not only improves access to specialist doctors, but also provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining good health and seeking appropriate medical examinations when needed.

Bringing specialist doctors directly to villages demonstrates that improving community health depends not only on the availability of healthcare facilities, but also on ensuring that services are accessible to the people who need them. Through collaboration with local government and healthcare facilities, Agincourt Resources continues to support efforts to bring healthcare services closer to communities.

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This monitoring not only enriches biodiversity data but also provides valuable insights into habitat conditions and how sustainable environmental management efforts can support the continued presence of wildlife.

The birds observed display a variety of feeding habits, ranging from fruit-eating or frugivorous birds and insect-eating or insectivorous birds to nectar-feeding birds. Each group plays an important ecological role. Frugivorous birds help disperse seeds, supporting natural forest regeneration, while insectivorous birds contribute to controlling insect populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. Nectar-feeding birds also play an important role as pollinators of various flowering plants.

Documenting Behaviour in Natural Habitats

Visual documentation provides a closer look at the natural behaviour of birds, including while they are perching or foraging. Perching positions can reflect how birds observe their surroundings, whether to detect predators or locate food sources. Meanwhile, foraging activities provide valuable information about their feeding preferences and interactions with other components of the ecosystem, such as plants and insects.

The diversity of birds found in the conservation areas also reflects habitat conditions that continue to provide sufficient and varied resources. Well-maintained vegetation, water availability and minimal disturbance are among the key factors supporting the presence of various bird species. These conditions highlight the importance of conservation efforts that not only protect flora but also support the continued presence of fauna, including avifauna that are sensitive to environmental change.

Understanding More, Inspiring Greater Awareness

Bird monitoring also has educational value. As wildlife that are relatively easy to observe and visually appealing, birds can serve as an effective medium for introducing the richness of biodiversity while raising awareness of the importance of conservation. Photographs accompanied by informative narratives can help communities gain a closer understanding of biodiversity and the importance of maintaining the balance of nature.

Bird monitoring and documentation in conservation areas are more than simply record-keeping activities; they form part of ongoing efforts to understand ecosystem dynamics over time. Each piece of data and documentation collected provides valuable information about the relationship between habitats and faunal diversity, while reminding us of the importance of maintaining harmony between people and nature.

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This commitment was brought to life through Coral Reef Transplantation Training held at Pantai Indah Pandan, Central Tapanuli Regency, on 10th September 2026. The activity was a collaboration between Agincourt Resources, Yayasan Masyarakat Penjaga Pantai Barat, Bank Sampah Yamantab, and Kelompok Konservasi Laut Nusantara (KKLN).

The activity was attended by KKLN Chairperson Antonius Zebua and Head of the Conservation Area Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) at the North Sumatra Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service, Eliezeri Irfan Hulu. Representing Agincourt Resources, Biodiversity Management Supervisor Muhamad Kurniawan attended alongside the Biodiversity Management team.

The training comprised a series of activities, including registration, an opening session, presentation of materials, and a coral reef transplantation workshop. Participants also took part in practical sessions as part of their learning about efforts to restore and conserve coral reef ecosystems.

Coral reef transplantation is one of the approaches used to rehabilitate ecosystems by relocating or propagating coral fragments so that they can grow again in areas requiring restoration. Through this training, participants were introduced to the approach in a practical manner, enabling efforts to protect marine ecosystems to be carried out with the appropriate knowledge and skills.

For Agincourt Resources, collaboration in conservation is part of its commitment to fostering environmental awareness beyond the boundaries of its operational area. By working together with communities and stakeholders, knowledge and experience can be shared to support the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.

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Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, which comprises true dragonflies (Anisoptera) and damselflies (Zygoptera). They inhabit a wide range of environments, including forests, gardens, rice fields, rivers and lakes.

Spending More Time in Water

Most of a dragonfly’s life cycle is spent as an aquatic larva or nymph, lasting from several months to several years. During this stage, dragonfly larvae prey on mosquito larvae, aquatic worms and other small organisms.

Because they require well-oxygenated and relatively clean water, dragonfly larvae are sensitive to changes in water quality. Pollution can reduce their populations, while improving water conditions can allow dragonflies to return.

A Natural Bioindicator

Their dependence on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats makes dragonflies bioindicators—organisms that can help reveal environmental conditions. Changes in the abundance and diversity of dragonfly species can signal changes in habitat quality.

The greater the diversity of dragonflies found in an area, the stronger the indication that the aquatic ecosystem is capable of supporting a wide range of organisms.

Part of the Food Chain

Dragonflies also contribute to maintaining ecosystem balance. Their larvae help control aquatic organisms, including mosquito larvae, while adult dragonflies prey on a variety of insects. At the same time, dragonflies serve as a food source for fish, birds, frogs, reptiles and bats.

As a result, a decline in dragonfly populations can affect the balance of the food chain.

Protecting Habitats, Sustaining Ecosystems

Land-use change, water pollution, excessive pesticide use, and shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature can threaten dragonfly populations. Maintaining water quality, protecting wetlands, preserving vegetation along riverbanks and restoring habitats are important measures for supporting their survival.

In river rehabilitation and the reclamation of former mining areas, dragonfly abundance and diversity can serve as one of the indicators of ecosystem recovery.

Ultimately, dragonflies remind us that environmental health can be reflected in the smallest creatures within an ecosystem. Protecting dragonfly habitats therefore also means safeguarding water quality, ecosystem balance and the many forms of life that depend on them.

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OlympiAR is part of E-Coaching Jam (ECJ), an Agincourt Resources program that, since 2014, has connected university students with industry practitioners and practical industry knowledge. As of 2024, ECJ has engaged more than 5,000 students across Indonesia with dozens of experts from various fields.

Through OlympiAR, the learning process in ECJ is taken to the competition stage. Participants are challenged to process data, solve case studies, work in teams, and defend solutions in front of academics and practitioners.

Director of Operations at PT Agincourt Resources, Rahmat Lubis, stated that the quality of decisions is at the core of OlympiAR 2026. Participants are not only challenged to produce technical solutions but also to assess their impact on safety, the environment, society, and operational sustainability.

“Orebody is the beginning of a series of decisions, not the end of geological work. The data we build will influence mine design, safety, water and waste management, rehabilitation, and post-mining. Therefore, mining performance and environmental resilience must be designed in the same decision from the beginning,” said Rahmat during the opening of OlympiAR 2026 at ITB, Friday (4/9/2026).

The opening was also attended by the Expert Staff of the West Java Governor for Economic and Development Affairs, Indra Maha; the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan; the Head of the Mineral, Coal, and Geothermal Resource Center of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Agung Pribadi; the Deputy Dean for Resources representing the Rector of ITB, Dr. Dasapta Erwin Irawan, S.T., M.T., and his team.

Chairperson of MGEI, Rosalyn Wuliandhary, believes that the ability to connect geoscience, technical decisions, and environmental impact is becoming increasingly crucial as the demand for responsible mining practices rises.

“We need a generation that is not only strong in geosciences or mining but also capable of thinking integratively, connecting geosciences, mining, processing, technology, economics, environment, and society,” he said.

OlympiAR 2026 is open to students of geology and geosciences, mining engineering, earth sciences, environmental engineering, and related fields. The program series includes talk shows, online competitions, mentoring, geoscience technology training, case study resolutions, and final presentations.

The importance of developing integrated geoscience competencies also needs to be supported by various parties. The Head of the Center for Mineral, Coal, and Geothermal Resources at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Agung Pribadi, reminded that Indonesia is one of the largest mineral producers in the world with a vast wealth of natural resources.

“Therefore, the contribution of academics, business actors, and professional associations is crucial to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources and provide welfare for the Indonesian people,” he said.

In addition to cash prizes, the first-place team will have the opportunity to participate in an internship program at the Martabe Gold Mine, Batang Toru, South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Through this experience, students can directly see firsthand how technology, collaboration, and responsibility are applied in mining operations.

Encourage Geoscience Talent in Sumatra

OlympiAR 2026 also motivates the participation of students from outside Java through special awards for participants from campuses in Sumatra. After the opening at ITB, the series of OlympiAR 2026 will continue at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) on September 8, 2026.

“We want OlympiAR to be a space for students from various regions not only to test their abilities but also to broaden their horizons, build networks, and see firsthand how the knowledge they acquire can be applied in the industry and the workforce,” said Katarina Siburian, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at PT Agincourt Resources.

At OlympiAR 2024, 161 teams from 28 universities participated in the competition, while the entire series reached over 600 students, with the wARrior Hornblende team from ITB winning first place. OlympiAR then received the Silver award at the Indonesian Sustainable Development Awards (ISDA) 2024.

That achievement serves as a foundation for Agincourt Resources to continue expanding the reach of OlympiAR while also strengthening ECJ as a sustainable youth competency development program.

THE END

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The series of activities began on 30 August 2026 with an introduction and familiarisation session on Honda electric motorcycles for mechanics and workshop owners in Batang Toru and Muara Batang Toru Districts. Held at Sopo Daganak, the session was attended by 22 participants representing 16 workshops. Through the session, participants gained an understanding of electric motorcycle technology as well as the evolving demand for automotive services amid the transition towards more sustainable mobility.

The following day, on 31 August 2026, electric vehicle education continued for students of SMK Negeri 2 Padangsidimpuan and SMK Swasta Teruna Padangsidimpuan through the Honda EV Academy – Green Mobility Education for Vocational School 2026 programme.

Both schools are partners of Agincourt Resources and offer Motorcycle Engineering programmes. Students had the opportunity to learn about electric motorcycle technology, understand safety riding practices, and gain first-hand experience through an Electric Vehicle Display and test ride. The learning session provided students with an opportunity to explore developments in automotive technology more closely and understand the competencies that are becoming increasingly relevant to industry needs.

The activities were attended by Senior Manager Agincourt Resources, Christine Pepah, along with representatives of Agincourt Resources; Head of SMK Negeri 2 Padangsidimpuan, Zendro Hasibuan; Head of the Padangsidimpuan Branch of Federal International Finance (FIF), Muhammad Sukri Nasution; as well as representatives of PT Indako Trading Coy and Honda in Padangsidimpuan.

The Senior Manager Community of Agincourt Resources stated that introducing electric vehicles is an important part of broadening the younger generation’s knowledge. According to him, students need to understand not only conventional motorcycle technology, but also keep up with developments in electric vehicle technology so that they acquire knowledge relevant to the future needs of the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, education for mechanics and workshop owners provided an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of electric motorcycle technology. This knowledge can equip workshop operators to keep pace with technological developments while preparing services that respond to changing community needs.

Appreciation for the initiative was also expressed by Head of SMK Negeri 2 Padangsidimpuan, Zendro Hasibuan. He said the activity benefited students by broadening their understanding of developments in automotive technology while introducing them to technologies that are expected to become increasingly prevalent in the future.

The enthusiasm was also shared by Rahmat Ridho, a Year 11 Motorcycle Engineering student. He gained new knowledge about the differences between electric motorcycles and conventional petrol-powered motorcycles.

The collaboration between Agincourt Resources, AHM, Indako Trading Coy and FIFGROUP forms part of an effort to broaden public understanding of electric vehicle technology. From classrooms to workshops, knowledge is being shared, skills are being developed, and the journey towards a more sustainable future for mobility is being advanced together.

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The training was designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to develop the competence to operate equipment safely and professionally, while also creating equal opportunities for women to develop their skills in operational roles. These competencies are expected to serve as valuable foundations for expanding participants’ employment opportunities, both at PT MMS and other companies, in line with the skills they gained during the training.

The programme will run for one and a half months, with PT MMS serving as the training provider and delivering instruction throughout the programme. Before beginning practical training on the equipment, participants will receive foundational training in HSE Induction and Basic Occupational Health and Safety (K3) from the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) team. The next stage will cover familiarisation with the training area and the equipment to be used throughout the learning process.

One of the participants, Juliana Fransiska Rambe from Sipenggeng Village, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the programme. She said the compactor operator training not only provided new skills and experience, but also served as valuable preparation for increasing her employment prospects. She hopes the competencies she gains will enable her to work as an operator while contributing to her family’s economic wellbeing.

Through this collaboration, Agincourt Resources continues to support the development of community competencies around its operational area. The skills gained are expected to extend beyond the training itself, providing participants with a foundation to take greater steps towards independence and open up new opportunities for the future.

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Distinctive Features

The pig-tailed macaque has a robust body, measuring around 45–60 centimetres in females and more than 70 centimetres in males. Adults weigh approximately 5–15 kilograms. Its most distinctive feature is its short, curved tail resembling that of a pig, giving rise to its common English name, pig-tailed macaque.

Its coat ranges from olive brown to dark grey, with lighter-coloured underparts. Its strong limbs support a largely terrestrial lifestyle, with the species spending more time on the ground than several other Macaca species.

Active, Intelligent and Social

The pig-tailed macaque is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It lives in groups consisting of males and females, typically numbering around 15–40 individuals.

Within the group, macaques display a range of social behaviours, including grooming, vocal communication, play and dominance interactions. Their ability to recognise individuals, understand visual cues and adjust their foraging behaviour demonstrates a high level of social intelligence.

A Varied Diet, Strong Adaptability

The pig-tailed macaque is an omnivore, with fruit forming one of its main food sources. It also feeds on seeds, young leaves, flowers, fungi, insects, small crustaceans, bird eggs and small vertebrates.

Its ability to utilise a wide range of food sources helps it adapt when food availability changes. In modified habitats, pig-tailed macaques may also feed on cultivated plants such as oil palm, bananas and root crops. This can increase interactions between the species and human communities.

Vulnerable and in Need of Protection

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the pig-tailed macaque as Vulnerable. This status indicates that the species faces a risk of extinction in the wild if threats to its habitat and population are not properly managed.

Protecting the pig-tailed macaque also means protecting the habitat and ecological processes that sustain the forest.

Dispersing Seeds, Sustaining Forests

As a fruit-eating species, the pig-tailed macaque plays a role in seed dispersal. Seeds carried through feeding and movement can be deposited in different areas, supporting the natural regeneration of vegetation. This role highlights how every species contributes to a functioning ecosystem. The pig-tailed macaque is not simply a forest inhabitant; it is part of the natural process that helps forests continue to grow and regenerate.

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As part of efforts to ensure the programmes remain effective and deliver meaningful benefits, an evaluation of the GenRe and PIK-R programmes in schools across Batang Toru and Muara Batang Toru was held at Puskesmas Batang Toru on 28 August 2026. The activity provided a forum to review programme achievements, assess implementation effectiveness, identify areas for improvement and develop plans for the programmes’ next phase.

A total of 33 participants attended the activity, comprising seven school principals, nine supervising teachers, eight members of the South Tapanuli GenRe Forum, five Penyuluh Lapangan Keluarga Berencana (PLKB) and four representatives of Agincourt Resources.

The evaluation began with a presentation by Agincourt Resources on programme achievements, followed by presentations from each school on activities that had and had not yet been implemented. Participants also took part in an overall programme evaluation, a question-and-answer session and discussions on the 2026/2027 work plan.

In his remarks, Superintendent Community Services Yayan Nuryawan emphasised the importance of evaluation in measuring achievements, identifying gaps and improving subsequent steps to ensure the programme’s objectives are achieved effectively. Evaluation is also part of efforts to ensure that established PIK-R units are not merely active administratively, but also fulfil their role in supporting youth development.

Echoing this, PLKB Coordinator Anugerah Dian S. expressed hope that the evaluation would encourage continuous improvement and help ensure the programme’s objectives are achieved effectively.

Through ongoing evaluation and collaboration with stakeholders, the GenRe and PIK-R programmes are expected to continue developing as platforms for youth development, supporting young people in preparing for the future and making more informed plans for family life.

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