Harita Nickel’s Management Trainee (MT) Program has opened the door for hundreds of young people from North Maluku to build professional careers in the nickel industry. Through this program, a new generation of talent is emerging, individuals who not only master technical competencies but also bring fresh energy to the core of Indonesia’s strategic mineral downstreaming.
One such talent is Fitria Eka Ananda Tan, a young woman from Ternate who never imagined herself pursuing a career in nickel processing. After completing her studies and gaining experience in several roles, Eka decided to apply for the MT program offered by PT Megah Surya Pertiwi (MSP), one of Harita Nickel’s business units on Obi Island.
“I thought at the time, this is a rare opportunity. And it turned out to be true, there are so many things I’ve learned here,” she said.
As an MT participant, Eka underwent a series of intensive training sessions, ranging from orientation and operational fundamentals to project management within a dynamic industrial setting. “The training was semi-military and quite demanding, especially for women. But there were no distinctions; everyone was treated the same because we were all trainees,” she recalled.
Through this process, participants developed discipline, solidarity, and a strong sense of responsibility. Harita Nickel designed the MT program to prepare young talent to become future leaders, equipping them not only with technical knowledge but also with the company’s core values: Humility, Achievement Oriented, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Accountability.
“We learned a lot about leadership, how to lead a team, make decisions, and work with dedication,” Eka said.
Now, after a decade with Harita Nickel, Eka believes the experience has transformed her perspective on professional life. “This program was not just the start of a career; it was a journey of discovering myself,” she noted.
Eka’s story aligns with those of two of her batchmates, Faisal A. Banjar and Majid Masyud, who now serve in MSP’s Power Plant Department. Faisal recalled joining the first MT selection in 2015, which attracted nearly a thousand applicants. “The competition was incredibly tough, and I’m grateful I made it through,” he said.
After three months of semi-military training on Obi Island and completing a Mandarin language course, Faisal and his fellow trainees were sent to China for advanced training at a smelter facility. There, they gained knowledge in electrical systems, emission control, and a strong work ethic.
“For me, MSP feels like a second home. I hope more young people from North Maluku can have the same opportunity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Majid Masyud from Bacan described the MT experience as an invaluable learning journey. “Beyond technical knowledge, what stood out most was the camaraderie and mutual support among participants. Those experiences shaped how we work professionally today,” he said.
According to Willy Kusuma Dewadi, Head of Technical Support at PT MSP, the company continues to provide pathways for local youth to grow their careers and play a leading role in technology transfer from foreign experts to Indonesian professionals.
“Today, many local youth hold strategic positions in the pyrometallurgical smelter operated through the partnership between Harita Nickel and Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co., Ltd. This is clear evidence that knowledge transfer is taking place effectively and sustainably,” he said.
The stories of Eka, Faisal, and Majid, along with many others across Harita Nickel’s business units, demonstrate that the MT program is more than recruitment; it is a process of shaping people: instilling discipline, nurturing ambition, and building the determination to grow together.
Amid the rapid development of Indonesia’s nickel industry, they represent the future of North Maluku. A generation born on this land, elevated through meaningful opportunities, and now contributing to the nation’s industrial progress.