OREANDA-NEWS. Vale is going to introduce a new socioeconomic development model to communities which make up the region of East Luwu in Indonesia. Based on a partnership between society, the company and public power, the Integrated Program for Community Development has a 5-year time frame for the implementation and monitoring of actions in the 42 areas where we operate.

The program was launched at the end of January after a memorandum of understanding was signed with the East Luwu government. Present at the ceremony were hundreds of representatives from farming groups, district chiefs and community leaders who applauded the signing of the document by local authorities and Vale, which was represented by PT Vale Indonesia's director, Nico Kanter, and by its president, Ricardo Carvalho.

For the governor of East Luwu, Andi Hatta Marakarma, the launch of this program is a historic moment for the region. “This is a demonstration of the good intentions of the company in looking after and supporting the communities. Change does not happen overnight, it requires a long-term process,” he said.