Papua is known as one of the regions in Indonesia that is home to talented athletes in various fields. This high possibility makes the government and other Papuan parties want to build something to explore their talents. One that seeing this potential is PT Freeport Indonesia, which has a long history of working with the Papuan government to utilize Papua’s natural potential while offering development and empowerment opportunities to Papuan communities. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of PT Freeport Indonesia’s activities that benefit the people who live there. It starts with benefits in the business world with employment opportunities and in the health sector with the establishment of various health centers that can help the community. The field of sports and sports development also does not escape the attention of PT Freeport Indonesia. For this reason, the Mimika Sport Complex was built to support the great potential of Papuan athletes.
PT Freeport Indonesia works directly with the government of Mimika Papua Regency to use 12.5 hectares of land to build the Mimika Sports Complex. The construction of the Mimika Sports Complex aims to build a sports base that meets international standards for the development of Papuan athletes. Additional measures are also being considered. Athletics and basketball courts and grass fields adapted for various sports are being built. The grass used is imported directly from Switzerland, one of the best grass growing countries. Other additional facilities are also being considered, ranging from health facilities integrated with the Mimika Sports Complex, spectator stands to enjoy matches and of course other facilities such as dormitories, players’ dressing rooms, gyms, bathrooms and toilets.
PT Freeport Indonesia contributed up to 33 million US dollars or approximately four hundred billion rupiah to build international standard sports facilities. The Mimika Sport Complex was completed in two years. in 2021 this sports ground will be one of the venues of the 20th National Sports Week. Athletes from all over Indonesia were positive that Papua provided them with excellent facilities that meet international standards. The experience of competing in the Mimika Sport Complex during the sports week encourages the athletes to experience the great facilities that haven’t built in their hometown.
The construction of the Mimika Sport Complex is planned to continue in phases to meet all the needs and abilities of athletes in various sports. In addition, the facilities also need to be maintenance, because of course, good facilities also requires having the best tools care. It is hoped that future athletes from Papua will feel supported and able to develop through the existing facilities.