PT Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA), together with the Luwu Regency Investment Acceleration and Collaboration Task Force (Pokja), continued the series of Village Forums (FORDES) in six villages located around the Awak Mas Project and its access routes: Bonelemo, Tettekang, Marinding, Ulusalu, Rumaju, and Tolajuk.

This activity is part of a regular communication agenda designed to ensure that the development process is transparent, well-documented, and aligned with community needs.

Pokja Secretary, Zulkarnaim, explained that FORDES is more than just a discussion platform—it serves as a mechanism for conveying aspirations directly connected to both the government and the company.

“Pokja serves to bridge the interests of residents, the government, and MDA. The principle is simple: aspirations must be heard, processed, and followed up. FORDES provides an official dialogue space that minimizes misinformation and promotes transparency,” he said

During the meetings in the six villages, community members generally voiced aspirations related to road infrastructure, traffic safety, road dust management, and better dissemination of information regarding employment opportunities. Residents also hoped that youth skills training programs would be prioritized ahead of the active construction phase.

Several villages highlighted the potential for local economic development based on agriculture and small enterprises. Among these were initiatives to strengthen patchouli cultivation and handicraft groups (Lito) in Bonelemo; proposals to enhance business management capacity and cooperative collaboration between Koperasi Merah Putih and farmer groups in Tolajuk; requests for reforestation of landslide-prone areas; and support for fruit tree planting and fish seed assistance in Ulusalu Village.

Pokja representative Dr. Maman emphasized that community involvement through FORDES is a step toward building healthy social accountability.

“We ensure that all technical notes and community inputs are forwarded for follow-up actions. Communication like this is essential to make sure that development progresses not only swiftly but also accurately and sustainably,” he explained.

To strengthen communication transparency, MDA also distributed materials and flyers on the grievance mechanism at several village offices and houses of worship. This allows the public to submit complaints or inquiries directly and in a documented manner.

MDA’s Mine Technical Manager (KTT), Mustafa Ibrahim, reaffirmed that FORDES is part of the company’s commitment to maintaining close engagement with local communities.

“Each village has its own unique needs and potential. We want to listen directly from the people to design collaborations that are relevant and beneficial,” he stated.

Mustafa added that inputs gathered from the six villages will be jointly reviewed with Pokja in formulating follow-up programs.

“Our hope is that this forum will not stop at gathering aspirations but evolve into concrete collaborations that strengthen village self-reliance and support local economic growth,” he concluded.

The implementation of FORDES in Bonelemo, Tettekang, Marinding, Ulusalu, Rumaju, and Tolajuk marks the continued consistency of dialogue among communities, local government, and MDA. Through open communication mechanisms and measurable follow-up actions, the development of the Awak Mas Project is expected to proceed in a participatory, transparent, and sustainable manner that delivers long-term benefits to the community.