South Halmahera, February 18, 2026 – Harita Nickel continues to strengthen local human resource capacity through its vocational program, the Youth Skills Enhancement (PELITA) Batch IV. A total of 40 youths from Obi Island are participating in a certified Overhead Crane operator training as part of the company's efforts to build a workforce ready to meet the operational demands of the downstream nickel industry.
Harita Nickel's Community Development Manager, Broto Suwarso, stated that the PELITA program is designed to bridge the gap between industry needs and the potential of local youths who previously lacked specialized skills.
“The PELITA vocational initiative is a concrete manifestation of the company's commitment to enhancing local Human Resources (HR) capacity. This is our strategy to ensure that the community can be the masters of their own region, equipped with proven competencies,” Broto said.
As an integrated nickel mining and downstream company, Harita Nickel currently employs approximately 26,000 workers. Around 85 percent are Indonesian citizens, with about 50 percent hailing from North Maluku. The PELITA program serves as a key effort to continuously increase the involvement of local talent within the company's operational structure.
Over the course of three months, participants will undergo intensive training to operate Overhead Cranes. Furthermore, the program integrates mental, physical, and disciplinary development to instill a strong industrial work ethic in the participants.
“Our target is clear: to provide local youths with better career opportunities. It is proven that the majority of graduates from previous PELITA batches have been absorbed and are now working within the company's operational environment,” Broto added.
The direct impact of this program is felt by La Rehan, a PELITA Batch IV participant from Soligi Village. Previously working as a daily casual worker, he joined the selection process to seize the opportunity to learn new skills.
"I am thrilled to have been selected. This program provides an opportunity for us locals with minimal experience to acquire industrial skills. I hope this will serve as a stepping stone for my future career development," he expressed.
The PELITA program has run successfully across several cohorts. The first batch produced 14 Wheel Loader operators, followed by the second batch with 28 Overhead Crane operators who are currently employed at the Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace (RKEF) processing facility of PT Halmahera Jaya Feronikel (HJF). Meanwhile, the third batch, which focused on Mandarin language proficiency, graduated 22 participants who are now entering their apprenticeship phase.
The consistent implementation of the PELITA program reflects Harita Nickel's approach to building an inclusive employment ecosystem on Obi Island. By strengthening local competencies, the company not only supports community empowerment but also solidifies a safe, adaptive, and long-term-oriented operational foundation.