PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA) initiated an audience with the Regent of Luwu and the Forkopimda leadership to discuss a request for legal protection over investment activities in Luwu Regency. The meeting took place in Belopa and was attended by Luwu Regent H. Patahudding, S.Ag., Deputy Regent Muh. Dhevy Bijak Pawindu, SH., the Head of the Investment Acceleration Task Force, the Head of the Investment Acceleration and Collaboration Working Group (POKJA), the Chairman of Luwu Regency’s Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), the Head of the Luwu District Attorney’s Office, the Luwu Chief of Police, the Commander of Military District 1403/Palopo, representatives from ATR/BPN Luwu, the Sub-district Heads of Latimojong and Bajo Barat, as well as MDA’s management team.

In the meeting, MDA reported that during August 2025 there were at least 16 incidents of road blockades on public access roads leading to the project site and operating areas, which disrupted mobility and operations. These actions were driven by various factors, but mainly related to employment and business opportunities. The company acknowledged the community’s employment needs, while also recognizing the imbalance between available vacancies and the size of the workforce.

In his remarks, the Regent of Luwu emphasized that the local government supports investment that brings tangible benefits to the community. He requested that all processes, particularly recruitment, be carried out transparently and in line with regulations. He also stressed the importance of having a labor database at the village level to ensure future workforce needs can be mapped accurately and fairly.

MDA Director Erlangga Gaffar reaffirmed that the company consistently seeks dialogue and deliberation with residents, involving government authorities and law enforcement, to reach agreements and reopen blocked access. MDA has also prepared a distribution map of employees at the Awak Mas Project and requires all contractors and subcontractors to channel recruitment through a single gate system, ensuring that the process adheres to procedures agreed with POKJA.

During the audience, the DPRD Chairman encouraged transparency in recruitment and offered to act as a facilitator. The Luwu District Attorney highlighted the importance of legal certainty and fairness by involving the labor department and POKJA. The Luwu Chief of Police emphasized readiness to safeguard security and enforce the law fairly in accordance with applicable regulations, while the Commander of Military District 1403/Palopo underscored the importance of synergy among all parties—the local government, law enforcement, the company, and the community—to create a conducive situation.

As a result of the audience, all Forkopimda elements, the Luwu Regency Government, and MDA’s management expressed their commitment to seeking a comprehensive solution that balances community interests, legal certainty, and investment continuity. This commitment was outlined in the following key recommendations:

1. Workforce planning through 2025 will be shared transparently with the Investment Acceleration Task Force (SATGAS) and POKJA.
2. Mediation and amicable settlement will be prioritized to resolve blockades, but legal action will be taken if certain individuals persist in provocation.
3. The spokesperson/responsible party will be POKJA, supported by Forkopimda task forces handling blockade-related mediation.
4. Legal outreach and awareness campaigns will be conducted in all villages along mining logistics routes.

With this support and shared understanding, it is expected that the investment climate in Luwu Regency will become more conducive, community employment opportunities will be absorbed fairly, and the sustainability of the Awak Mas Project will be safeguarded.