Dynamics of Change in Partnership Governance between PT Freeport Indonesia and Customary Institutions LEMASA–LEMASKO

Sustainable mining operations depend on stakeholder trust, institutional legitimacy, and effective partnership governance. At PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), these factors are closely associated with transparency and accountability in partnerships with LEMASA and LEMASKO, customary institutions representing the Amungme and Kamoro Indigenous communities, respectively. This study aimed to examine changes in partnership governance involving these institutions and propose strategies to improve partnership effectiveness. A qualitative case study design was employed to investigate governance dynamics within the PTFI–LEMASA–LEMASKO partnership. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with representatives of PTFI, LEMASA, LEMASKO, and the Mimika Regency Government, supplemented by document analysis and field observations. The data were analyzed thematically across three dimensions: institutional capacity, knowledge management, and stakeholder misalignment. The findings revealed that inconsistencies in partnership implementation were associated with institutional capacity constraints, weak accountability mechanisms, unclear organizational roles and responsibilities, and inadequate knowledge management practices. Furthermore, disparities in transparency and accountability expectations between PTFI and the customary institutions contributed to governance challenges. Based on these findings, the study proposed an Integrated Governance and Management Improvement Model to strengthen institutional capacity, clarify stakeholder responsibilities, improve knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and promote more transparent and accountable partnership governance.