In conjunction with Southeast Sulawesi Province’s 61st anniversary celebration, PT Gema Kreasi Perdana (GKP) reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable regional development by contributing more than US$7.25 million to the state through taxes and non-tax revenues (PNBP) since the issuance of its mining permit in 2007.

Operating on Wawonii Island, Konawe Kepulauan Regency, PT GKP emphasized its role in advancing the local economy while ensuring environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

"At a recent hearing with the Konawe Kepulauan Regency Legislative Council, we underlined that PT GKP’s contributions are not limited to finances. Our presence is aimed at delivering lasting value for local communities and the environment," Bambang Murtiyoso, PT GKP’s GM of Government Relations & Permit, said in a statement on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Through its Community Empowerment Program (PPM), PT GKP has disbursed more than US$537,500 by the end of 2024. These initiatives span infrastructure development, social and cultural projects, healthcare, education, economic independence, and environmental protection − each designed through transparent dialogue with local authorities and communities.

He cited programs of “Desa Terang” (Bright Village), "GKP Teaching" education initiative, heavy equipment operation training, public facility upgrades, free health check-ups, supplemental nutrition for toddlers, river normalization, and tree-planting drives.

The company also fosters economic opportunities through its support for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly empowering women. Household industries under PT GKP’s guidance have commercialized products, such as cashew nuts (Samaturu), coconuts (Mohawi), and seafood (Marimba), reaching markets beyond the island.

"We highly appreciate PT GKP's efforts in training and economically empowering MSMEs, creating broader opportunities for sustainable prosperity," Zamniar, a leader of one of the MSME groups, said.

PT GKP earned a Blue PROPER Award from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for 2023–2024, recognizing its compliance and biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly on a small island ecosystem.

Aladin Sianipar, Head of Health, Security, Environmental (HSE) Affairs at PT GKP, attributed this success to collaborative efforts with local governments and communities. "Our preventive and participatory approach in environmental management is key. We aim to continuously raise our environmental standards in line with technological and sustainability advancements," he said.

Mining sector

Safiuddin Alibas, Head of the Konawe Kepulauan Regency Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), said the mining sector contributed about US$11.58 million to the regency's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in 2022, and about US$12.04 million in 2023, alongside agriculture and government spending as the top three economic drivers.

"Mining has clearly boosted local purchasing power and consumption. The role of government is to ensure a stable and well-managed investment environment," he said.