Behind a computer screen displaying mine designs, Yayu Inryani Sari begins her day as a Junior Mine Plan Engineer. At PT Trimegah Bangun Persada (TBP), one of Harita Nickel's mining companies, she analyses operational data and prepares mine plans that help guide safe, efficient, and productive mining activities. Beyond her role as an engineer, she also embraces another role that defines her just as much—that of a mother.
very time she leaves for work, Yayu embarks on a long journey from Seludau Village in Tana Tidung, North Kalimantan, to Obi Island in South Halmahera, North Maluku. Traveling across land, sea, and air, the journey serves as a constant reminder that every mile she covers is part of her pursuit of a career in the mining industry while striving to build a better future for her family.
For Yayu, these two roles have never been in conflict. Motherhood has never meant putting aside her dream of becoming a mining engineer. Instead, it has become the motivation that drives her to keep growing while building a better future for her family.
Yayu's interest in mining began during high school. Inspired by women working confidently in the field, she chose to study Mining Engineering at university before joining Harita Nickel in 2023.
As part of the Mine Plan team, Yayu helps develop mine plans by analysing operational data and preparing mine designs that support safe, efficient, and reliable mining operations while meeting production targets.
Her career entered a new chapter when she became a mother. Rather than seeing family and career as competing priorities, Yayu believes each strengthens the other.
"From the moment I decided to become a mother, I never saw my career and family as two paths that required me to choose one over the other. Becoming a mother was not the end of my journey. It marked the beginning of a new chapter that has motivated me to continue growing, both as a mother and as an engineer," Yayu said.
Balancing both roles has not been without challenges. While Yayu works on Obi Island, her parents play an important role in caring for her child. Their support gives her peace of mind and allows her to stay focused on her responsibilities at work.
"I wouldn't be able to do this without them. Their trust and encouragement have allowed me to pursue my career while also being there for my child," she said.
Yayu also credits her workplace with helping her maintain a healthy balance between work and family life. According to her, the roster system provides the certainty she needs to fully focus on work while making the most of her time with her family during her roster break.
"For me, the roster is more than just a work schedule. Knowing my schedule in advance allows me to stay fully focused while I'm at work and enjoy meaningful time with my family when I'm off duty," she said.
Das Anton, Mine Plan Manager at PT TBP, described Yayu as someone with a strong willingness to learn who has grown into a dependable member of the team.
"At Harita Nickel, everyone has the same opportunity to grow. What matters is competence, a willingness to learn, and performance. Yayu has shown that opportunities in mining are built on competence, not gender," Das said.
For Yayu, every journey back to Obi Island is a reminder of why she chose this path. It is not only about building a career, but also about creating a better future for her family. Behind the safety helmet she wears each day is a woman who continues to show that motherhood is never a barrier to growth, contribution, or a fulfilling career in the mining industry.