PPA Group ERT Geared Up for MERC 2026 Australia, Director General of Mineral and Coal Emphasizes Teamwork

The PPA Group Emergency Response Team (ERT) is set to compete in the Mining Emergency Response Competition (MERC) 2026 in Perth, Western Australia, from November 27–29, 2026. The team’s official departure was officially sent off by the Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Tri Winarno, alongside the Director of Mineral and Coal Engineering and Environment / Chief Mine Inspector, Ahmad Syauqi.

During the send-off event, Tri Winarno advised the team to maintain strong cohesion and trust in the capabilities they have honed during training. He noted that technical preparation must be supported by strong cooperation when facing the competition.

“Training will mean nothing without self-confidence and teamwork. Without all of that, it is impossible to return home with a victory,” stated Tri Winarno.

He also expressed appreciation for PPA Group’s consistency in nurturing rescue personnel. Participation in MERC is expected to be an opportunity to exchange experiences and bring home knowledge that can be applied to mining operations in Indonesia.

A similar message was conveyed by Ahmad Syauqi. He reminded the team that safety and care for others must remain their guiding principles, including during the competition.

“May everything go well, safely, and in good health, and may the team be able to share good things with friends in Indonesia. Winning is a bonus. What is clear is that your teamwork, confidence, and care for others are what matter most,” said Syauqi.

The team send-off was also attended by the President Director of PPA Group, Joko Triraharjo, and the Operational Director of PPA, who also serves on the Supervisory Board of Garuda Rescue Nusantara (GRN) R. Teguh Sapto Subroto. The presence of both executives demonstrated full management support for the team's preparation and departure to Australia.

Held at Langley Park, Perth, MERC brings together rescue teams from various mining companies to face simulated emergency situations. Participants are required to make swift decisions, operate equipment properly, and collaborate under pressure.

In MERC 2026, the PPA Group ERT will participate in seven testing areas. The disciplines include hazardous materials handling, confined space rescue, firefighting, vehicle extrication rescue, first aid and emergency preparedness, incident management, and vertical rope rescue.

This event is not a first-time experience for the PPA Group ERT. Together with GRN, the team has participated in previous editions and won various awards at MERC 2023 and 2024. This experience serves as a foundation to face this year’s competition while evaluating the team's capabilities in handling diverse emergency situations.

For PPA Group, participating in MERC is part of its ongoing development of the emergency response team. The skills and experience gained in Australia are expected to strengthen personnel readiness whenever needed, whether in handling emergency situations at mine sites or in humanitarian missions.