25 November 2024
Harita Nickel's Community Development team, in collaboration with Harita Saruma, launched the North Maluku Spice Processing Product (Propala) initiative in late November 2024. This collaboration aims to contribute to sustainable development (SDGs) in Obi Island, North Maluku, by empowering local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Ifan Farianda, Community Development Manager at Harita Nickel, emphasized the importance of employee involvement in the company’s Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM). One of the ways is by promoting the products of company-supported MSMEs, particularly among employees and the general public.
“Propala is packaged as a unique souvenir from North Maluku, making it an excellent gift for employees returning home for vacation,” Ifan said, showcasing the Propala packaging with the tagline, “Oleh-Oleh Penuh Cinta, dari Obi untuk Indonesia” (Gifts Full of Love, from Obi for Indonesia).
The Propala initiative originated from Harita Nickel’s desire to empower housewives in the new Kawasi Village settlement by processing nutmeg-based products. Previously, only nutmeg seeds were utilized, leaving the fruit’s flesh discarded. Now, the fruit flesh is processed into a variety of food and beverages, adding value to this regional commodity.
Harita Saruma is an internal company program designed to help Harita Nickel employees—especially younger ones—gain insight into the company’s operations from upstream to downstream, including its contributions to local communities.
“This Propala launch with Harita Saruma embodies one of our core values: Teamwork. Employees collaborate to support the company’s development and empowerment initiatives,” Ifan explained.
The event began with a presentation from Harita Nickel’s Community Development team, which outlined the Propala initiative and the broader PPM program. The session was attended by Propala members and 16 Harita Saruma participants from various departments and business units.
Following the presentation, participants visited local nutmeg plantations located 15 minutes from the new settlement. Here, they learned about the harvesting process, guided by Propala members.
“If the skin starts to split like this, it means it’s ripe,” explained Lenny Jouronga, a Propala member, while showing a ripe nutmeg fruit. “The flesh will also feel softer, not too hard. If it’s still hard, it’s not ready yet,” she added.
The Propala women taught participants how to select ripe nutmeg fruit while sharing stories about their harvesting experiences. The Harita Saruma participants enthusiastically joined the harvest, paying close attention to the women’s tips.
After harvesting, participants visited the Propala production house, where they were welcomed by an array of neatly packaged nutmeg-based products such as candy, dodol (traditional toffee-like sweets), syrup, and nutmeg juice. The participants eagerly sampled these delicacies.
“The nutmeg juice is so refreshing, especially with ice on a hot day,” remarked Muhamad Asep Falahudin from Harita Nickel’s Technical Support department. “The taste is unique—sweet and tangy with a distinct nutmeg flavor. It’s perfect for quenching thirst in the heat!”
Eresia Makanaung, a laboratory staff member from PT Halmahera Persada Lygend, expressed her amazement at the dodol. “I grew up in West Halmahera and often harvested nutmeg at my grandmother’s farm, but we only used the seeds. I never knew the flesh could be turned into dodol,” she said.
“The taste is delightful—not overly sweet, with the signature nutmeg aroma. I’m amazed that something often discarded can become such a valuable product,” Eresia added.
The Harita Saruma participants left the event feeling inspired. Through Propala, they witnessed how local potential could be transformed into high-quality products, boosting the local economy and creating broader market opportunities.
This initiative underscores Harita Nickel’s commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and sustainable development in North Maluku.
Go Top