PT ASA and FKM Unsrat Socialize the Results of Community Health Research in Kotabunan-Tutuyan Mining Area

Source: metrostraight.com

Date: October 25, 2024

METROSTRAIGHT.COM, Boltim- Mining company PT Arafura Surya Alam (PT ASA) in collaboration with the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) Samratulangi University (Unsrat) Manado and PT Asih Eka Abadi (AEA), socialized the results of research on public health around the Kotabunan and Tutuyan mines in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency (Boltim) conducted last August 2023.

The socialization activity took place on the third floor of the Boltim Regent's office, Friday (25/10/2024), attended by Pjs. Regent of Boltim Lukman Lapadengan, S.Sos, M.Si, Chairman of the Boltim Regency DPRD Samsudin Dama, ST, ME, Regional Secretary (Sekda) Dr. Sonny Warokka, Ph. D, Heads of related agencies, sub-district heads, Puskesmas health workers, Sangadi and representatives of mining communities.

Pjs. Regent Lukman in his remarks gave appreciation to PT ASA as the holder of the Mining Business License (IUP), which has initiated research on the health of the mining community, especially related to heavy metals before the company conducts mining.

More clearly, Secretary Sony said that the public health research was authorized by the Boltim Regency Government (Pemkab) by using questionnaires and taking blood, hair, urine samples to 200 respondents in five villages around the mine, namely: Kotabunan Induk, Bulawan Induk, Kotabunan Barat, Kotabunan Selatan and Tutuyan Tiga.

“Scientific and independent research that captures public health at this stage is good, because it can be used as a baseline that describes the initial hue, so that the government and the community know the condition of public health before the ASA mining company conducts mining,” said the Secretary.

Sony continued, respondents were residents who worked as traditional miners, farmers, fishermen, government employees, formal employees, informal employees, housewives, students including those who did not work. Meanwhile, research on the levels of several heavy metals including cadmium, selenium, arsenic, and lead. The results show that the average levels of heavy metals are still within the range that does not significantly endanger health.

However, there were a number of respondents found to have high levels of heavy metals, possibly related to exposure from traditional mining, lifestyle (such as smoking), and food consumption patterns.

“This research is appreciated because it provides valuable input that will be followed up by the Local Government, the Community and the Company to discuss the next steps,” said the Sekda.(er/*)