Martabe mine and Tapanuli orangutan

In 2020, PTAR formed a Biodiversity Advisory Panel comprising Dr Rondang Siregar, Dr Suci Utami Atmoko, Dr Puji Rianti and Dr Onrizal, all highly regarded independent scientists, each with specialist expertise in the BTE, orangutan biology and conservation^d.

These scientists have worked independently to identify, map, and mitigate risks to biodiversity at Martabe. Their work is focused on the best interests of the Tapanuli orangutan, and their advice has already resulted in changes to the way the mine operates.

The work of the BAP informs the continuing strengthening of PTAR’s policies and procedures and annual Biodiversity Action Plans. These can be found on PTAR’s website.

The BAP’s advice has also resulted in changes to the location of planned exploration sites as well as the cancellation of a planned Tailings Management Facility, where the land that had been designated for development has now been safeguarded.

We are looking at how we can further strengthen the governance of this group, for which we are seeking input from the IUCN Secretariat.

As part of PTAR’s 2021 Biodiversity Action Plan, PTAR requested that the BAP carry out an independent study to look into whether the mine’s activities impact the Tapanuli orangutan. This would build on other on-the-ground flora and fauna surveys conducted at the mine throughout PTAR’s ownership of the mine.

The study involved a full review of previous studies and their results, as well as onsite observations and monitoring surveys. It: 

• Concluded that the methodology and inferences used in the past studies on the Tapanuli orangutan population were satisfactory;
• Recognised that while habitat loss is the main potential impact on the Tapanuli orangutans, this impact can be mitigated through the biodiversity management measures implemented during the life of the mine and through the ongoing rehabilitation of land, all of which are measures PTAR is implementing; and 
• Recommended further ways to enhance the mine’s biodiversity management approach which have since been incorporated into PTAR’s policies and operations.

Jardines recognises the value of engaging with third parties in order to provide more transparency to the efforts the Group is making to protect biodiversity as well as to provide external perspectives and advice to further our efforts. In 2021, Jardines reached out to the internationally renowned ARRC Taskforce of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group (ARRC) to seek their assistance and advice in our efforts to protect the Tapanuli orangutan. We subsequently in early 2022 entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ARRC to explore how ARRC could conduct a peer review of data about the Tapanuli orangutan obtained from scientific surveys of the mine and surrounding area carried out by the BAP. As part of this engagement, ARRC and the BAP engaged over the following 16 months to ensure that ARRC understood the approach being taken by the mine to protecting biodiversity, had the opportunity to provide advice on how orangutan surveys should be conducted and on appropriate mitigation measures to be taken by PTAR to minimise impacts on this species.

Local regulations limiting data sharing have, however, meant that ARRC has been unable to access the data they would need to carry out their peer review and, therefore, in April 2023, the ARRC decided that they would not extend the MOU.

Notwithstanding this, Jardines and PTAR remain committed to working with relevant third parties, to obtain advice on how best to minimise the impact of the mine’s operations on the Tapanuli orangutan.

PTAR has also carried out considerable work in relation to conservation initiatives to protect the Tapanuli orangutan in the broader Batang Toru Ecosystem and is working on potential programmes to offset impacts which cannot be avoided or mitigated. These initiatives include:

• Improving the habitat for orangutans, including protecting critical conservation areas, reducing fragmentation from roads, establishing effective “corridors” and settlements where there is reduced chance of human-orangutan contact;
• Conducting habitat enrichment with forage plants, including encouraging local community planting schemes; 
• Launching programmes to educate, socialise and raise awareness which build the community’s sense of ownership and responsibility for orangutans;
• Promoting alternative economic livelihoods and investing with local communities to maintain orangutan habitats and preventing orangutan deaths or harm; and
• Restoring the surrounding ecosystem in collaboration with the community, academics, and professionals.