Snakes are part of forest ecosystems and play a role in maintaining the balance of nature. Each species has different habitats, behaviours and food sources. Some live on the forest floor, while others inhabit trees, bushes or areas close to water.

Different Species, Different Roles

Snakes come in a wide variety of species and characteristics. Several species recorded in environments close to human activities include Ptyas mucosa, Naja naja and Lycodon aulicus. These species are known to make use of modified environments when suitable food sources and shelter are available.

Meanwhile, Bungarus candidus, also known as the Malayan krait, has also been observed using areas close to buildings within human-dominated landscapes. The presence of these species shows that the boundaries between natural habitats and human environments are not always completely separate for wildlife.

Differences between species also mean differences in behaviour. Some snakes are active during the day, while others are more active at night. Their prey also varies, ranging from rats, frogs and lizards to birds and other snakes.

They Do Not Seek Out Humans

Humans are not part of a snake’s natural diet. When they become aware of human presence, snakes generally choose to hide, escape or remain still, relying on their ability to camouflage themselves.

Defensive behaviour may occur when a snake feels threatened, startled or cornered. Under such circumstances, some species may hiss, raise their heads or display certain movements as a warning for the perceived threat to move away.

However, avoiding humans does not mean that snakes never occur around people. The availability of food is one reason why snakes may be found in human environments. Rats, for example, are commonly found around settlements and buildings and can serve as prey for several snake species.

Therefore, the appearance of a snake near a building does not necessarily mean that it is looking for humans. The surrounding environment may simply provide suitable food or shelter.

Part of the Web of Life

As predators, snakes help regulate the populations of the animals they prey upon. At the same time, snakes are also a food source for other animals. These relationships make snakes part of the food chain that supports the balance of ecosystems.

Not all snakes are venomous. Even among venomous species, characteristics and levels of risk can vary. As identifying a snake is not always easy, an unfamiliar snake should not be touched, chased or captured independently.

Understanding snake species and behaviour is therefore important so that encounters with these animals can be handled calmly and appropriately.

Handled Safely in Operational Areas

Encounters with wildlife, including snakes, may occur in operational areas located close to natural habitats. At Agincourt Resources, snake handling takes into account both human safety and wildlife conservation.

When a snake is found in an operational or office area, the report is followed up by the Emergency Response Team (ERT), whose members have received training in snake handling. The capture process is carried out using complete personal protective equipment (PPE) and in accordance with the company’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Snakes that have been safely secured are then handed over to the Biodiversity & Environmental Strategic Development (BESD) Department for further handling. Where their condition allows, the snakes are released back into forest areas or other suitable habitats.

This approach forms part of efforts to protect human safety while also giving wildlife the opportunity to return to its natural habitat and continue playing its role in the ecosystem.

Understanding to Protect

Feeling afraid when encountering a snake is perfectly natural. However, understanding its behaviour can help us respond more appropriately.

When a snake is found, keeping a safe distance and avoiding disturbance are important first steps. Its presence should then be reported to authorised personnel so that it can be handled safely.

Understanding snakes is not simply about learning more about an animal that is often perceived as frightening. More importantly, it means recognising that every living creature has a role within the ecosystem. When people and wildlife can coexist by understanding their respective spaces and roles, there is a greater opportunity to maintain the balance of nature.

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In recognition of this contribution, Agincourt Resources, through its ERT, received the 2026 ESDM Disaster Response Team Humanitarian Action Award from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). The award ceremony took place on 30 September 2026 at the Soemantri Brojonegoro Building, Directorate General of Electricity, Jakarta.

The event was attended by Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Director General of Mineral and Coal Tri Winarno, Secretary of the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal Totoh Abdul Fatah, Director of Mineral Business Development Cecep Mochammad Yasin, Director of Coal Business Development Asep Kurnia Permana, Director of Mineral and Coal Revenue Hendra Iswahyudi, Director of Mineral and Coal Engineering and Environment and Chief Mine Inspector Ahmad Syauqi, and Head of the Mineral and Coal Testing Centre Wakhid Hasyim.

Agincourt Resources was represented by Manager Government Relations and Compliances Hans Detaq. Representatives from other mining companies receiving awards also attended the ceremony, which brought together approximately 80 participants.

During the event, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Director General of Mineral and Coal Tri Winarno expressed his appreciation to companies and organisations that had contributed to humanitarian efforts and disaster response. He emphasised the importance of business sector involvement in strengthening emergency preparedness and cross-sector collaboration in responding to emergencies.

“May our collective efforts be regarded as acts of kindness and bring benefits to the affected communities, particularly those in East Nusa Tenggara Province,” said Tri Winarno.

The award recognises the mining sector’s support for earthquake response efforts in East Nusa Tenggara Province, as outlined in the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal’s letter No. B-7693/MB.07/DBT.KP/2026, dated 16 August 2026. The recognition acknowledges the ERT’s involvement in humanitarian efforts while highlighting the importance of preparedness, emergency response capabilities, and cross-sector collaboration in supporting disaster-affected communities.

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The activity was held on 17th April 2026 at the hall of SMP Negeri 1 Batang Toru, featuring the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of Agincourt Resources, Erman Riatno and Dewi Hafsah Siregar, as speakers. During the session, the presenters explained fundamental disaster concepts, emergency response procedures, and the importance of remaining calm, alert, and appropriate when facing critical situations such as earthquakes, fires, and floods. A total of 145 students participated in the programme with great enthusiasm.

The Principal of SMP Negeri 1 Batang Toru, Panusunan Harahap, stated that learning the basics of disaster response is highly beneficial for students, as it not only broadens their knowledge but also fosters a sense of care and the ability to support one another within the community. He also emphasised that the students showed a high level of enthusiasm during the session, particularly as the Batang Toru area has previously experienced disaster events, making the material highly relevant and easier for students to understand.

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From early morning, the ERT travelled to Bandar Tarutung carrying food supplies, clean water, and other essential items. Thick mud and damaged roads made access extremely difficult, yet the team persisted. When vehicles could no longer pass, the ERT manually carried sacks of rice and other supplies, ensuring that all aid reached the community promptly and accurately.

Upon arrival, the team carried out door-to-door distribution together with village officials and local residents. This approach ensured that assistance was delivered fairly and prioritised for the families most in need. In an atmosphere of empathy and cooperation, residents and the ERT worked side by side to unload, arrange, and distribute aid while maintaining order and safety.

This collaboration reflects Agincourt Resources’ strong commitment to being present and supporting communities during difficult times. With coordinated efforts between the ERT, volunteers, and local residents, recovery in Bandar Tarutung is expected to progress more quickly, more effectively, and with meaningful impact on the lives of those affected.

Through this rapid response, Agincourt Resources reaffirms that compassion and collective effort are essential foundations in every recovery initiative around its operational areas.

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In this competition, Agincourt Resources’ ERT won 1st Place Gold Trophy with the title of The Best Captain, as well as excelling in the High Angle Rescue & Technic (HART) category. This achievement reflects not only strong leadership but also advanced technical rescue skills in extreme situations recognised at the national level.

The team also secured the 2nd Place Silver Trophy in the Under Water Rescue & Recovery (UWR) category, further demonstrating their reliability in handling underwater rescue scenarios. This recognition reinforces the company’s reputation as an organisation that consistently prioritises safety standards with the highest level of professionalism.

In addition, Agincourt Resources’ ERT attained 1st Runner-Up in the categories of Road Crushed Rescue (RCR), Collapse Structure Rescue (CSR), and Structural Fire Fighting Rescue (SFR). These achievements stand as proof of the team’s consistent performance across a range of rescue simulations with varying levels of complexity. The series of accomplishments at IMERC 2025 is a tangible testament to Agincourt Resources’ commitment to strengthening the competence of its ERT while upholding a strong health and safety culture in the workplace. With these achievements, the company is increasingly confident in its preparedness to face emergencies as part of its corporate responsibility in the mining industry.

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