On the basketball court at Harita Nickel’s Obi Island site, Najabuddin Anwar, affectionately known as Naja, does more than practice his own skills. Despite his busy work schedule, he makes time to help colleagues learn the game. What was once part of his career as a professional basketball player has now become an opportunity to share his experience and build connections with others.
Naja’s passion for basketball once took him to the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL). During the 2016 season, he played as a shooting guard for NSH Jakarta, a team later renamed NSH Mountain Gold Timika. His journey in professional basketball was also featured in official IBL publications.
As his career took a new direction, Naja transitioned into the mining industry, joining Harita Nickel as part of the HR Operations team. Although his days as a professional athlete are behind him, his love for basketball remains an important part of his life.
Some of his friends initially questioned his decision to pursue a career in mining. They assumed that working at a remote site would leave him little opportunity to play basketball. Instead, Naja discovered something unexpected: colleagues who were eager to learn the sport.
“At first, many of my friends were disappointed when I decided to work in the mining industry. They thought I wouldn't be able to play basketball anymore. But it turned out that many colleagues at the site wanted to learn. That's when I started helping them practice and improve their skills,” Naja recalled.
Drawing on his experience as a professional athlete, Naja now enjoys guiding his colleagues as they develop their abilities. Seeing them master new techniques, gain confidence, and challenge themselves brings him a different kind of fulfillment. For Naja, basketball has become even more meaningful when the knowledge he has gained can benefit others.
One colleague who has experienced this firsthand is La Ode Mizwar, a Receiving and Distribution Logistics Crew member at Harita Nickel. Known as Aidil, he initially joined basketball practice out of curiosity. With regular training and encouragement from his teammates, he eventually earned a place on a team competing in an interdepartmental basketball tournament.
“Basketball wasn't something I was good at initially. But working at the site gave me the opportunity to learn and practice. Eventually, I was able to join a team and compete in an interdepartmental tournament,” Aidil shared.
Their experiences show how a shared hobby can create opportunities to discover new interests, develop personal potential, and strengthen relationships among colleagues. Beyond their daily responsibilities, activities like basketball offer Harita Nickel employees a chance to connect, support one another, and build friendships across departments.
Harita Nickel HR & GA Manager Rangga Aji Pratama emphasized the company's commitment to supporting employees in pursuing their interests while maintaining their professional responsibilities.
“The company strongly supports employees in pursuing their hobbies and interests. We strive to provide the space and facilities they need to enjoy these activities while ensuring that their work responsibilities remain a priority,” Rangga explained.
For Naja, building a career in the mining industry has never meant leaving behind the sport that has shaped much of his life. On Obi Island, he has found a new way to keep his passion alive, not only by continuing to play but also by sharing what he knows with others. On the basketball court, a shared love for the game has become a foundation for friendship, teamwork, and mutual growth.
Naja's journey reflects #CaranyaHarita, where personal passions become opportunities to develop potential, share experiences, and foster a stronger sense of togetherness in the workplace.