Participants of the Youth Skills and Competency Development Program (PELITA) Batch IV undertook both theoretical and practical examinations for the Overhead Crane Operator License (SIO) certification on March 11, 2026. This stage ensures that participants’ technical competencies and understanding of occupational safety meet the operational standards of the high-risk nickel industry.
A total of 40 youths from various villages in South Halmahera Regency, particularly Obi Island, took part in the evaluation after completing an intensive three-month training program. The examinations were supervised by the South Halmahera Regency Manpower Office to ensure that the certification process was conducted in accordance with prevailing regulations.
The Head of the South Halmahera Regency Manpower and Transmigration Office (Disnakertrans), Daud Djubedi, representing the regional government, expressed appreciation and support for the consistent implementation of this vocational program.
“We see this program as providing real access for local youth to gain hands-on experience and technical skills that are relevant to industry needs,” he stated.
During the practical examination, participants were assessed on their ability to operate an overhead crane, including hoisting techniques, cross and long travel movements, as well as risk identification. Ahmad S. Adam, a participant from Bacan, stated that the training had broadened his understanding of safety standards and operational procedures for heavy equipment.
“This training has made us more prepared and confident to work professionally as operators,” he said.
Prior to joining the program, Ahmad worked as a crew member in the furnace area at PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel, one of Harita Nickel’s business units. He hopes that the skills gained from the training will open up better job opportunities in the future as an overhead crane operator within the company.
Agung Aribowo, Deputy Department Head of Technical Support at Harita Nickel, emphasized that developing local workforce competencies is a key element in supporting the increasingly complex nickel downstream industry.
“The nickel downstream industry upholds high technical and safety standards. Therefore, competency development must be carried out systematically and measurably. Programs like PELITA ensure that we are not only building industrial facilities, but also strengthening human capacity,” said Agung.
He added that downstreaming is not merely about increasing the added value of minerals, but also about transforming the industrial ecosystem, which requires a skilled workforce with strong safety discipline.
Since its launch in 2023, PELITA has been designed based on operational needs to ensure that participants possess technical readiness aligned with production processes in the nickel industrial area. Through this SIO certification, participants are expected to contribute as competent workers while strengthening the role of local human resources within the downstream industry value chain.