18 June 2025
Harita Nickel concluded its 2025 World Environment Day (WED) commemoration series with the Harita Youth Forum, an educational initiative aimed at engaging the company’s younger generation. This year’s forum carried the theme “SDGs and Responsible Mining” and was attended by over 200 participants from various Harita Nickel business units operating on Obi Island.
The event featured Dr. Tri Edhi Budhi Soesilo, M.Si., a lecturer from the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Indonesia, as the keynote speaker. In his presentation, Dr. Budhi emphasized the critical importance of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into industrial operations, particularly within the mining sector, which has a profound impact on social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
He introduced the Responsible Mining approach–mining practices that strike a balance between economic productivity, ecosystem protection, and respect for the rights of local communities.
“Doing no harm, doing good, and doing it transparently,” he remarked, underlining that sustainability must begin with a strong understanding of local context and inclusive community engagement in development efforts.
Before the discussion session, participants viewed the documentary Ngomi O Obi (“We Who Live in Obi”), which portrays the daily lives of Obi Island residents who live alongside nickel mining activities. The film offered an authentic perspective on the social and environmental challenges faced by local communities, while also reinforcing the importance of inclusive and sustainable mining practices.
Harita Nickel’s commitment to environmental responsibility was also reaffirmed by Retno Dewi Handayani, Green Mining Manager, who emphasized that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. She encouraged all Harita employees to adopt simple, proactive habits, such as reducing single-use plastics and bringing personal tumblers to work.
“Carrying a tumbler and minimizing single-use plastic are small actions that can grow into collective habits, fostering a stronger environmental culture,” she stated.
The interactive Q&A session added valuable depth to the forum. In addressing a question regarding the practical challenges of implementing SDGs, Dr. Budhi emphasized that the success of sustainability initiatives ultimately depends on collective human awareness.
“No regulation will be effective without the consciousness of the people behind it,” he stated firmly.
This insight marked a fitting conclusion to the Harita Youth Forum, which successfully integrated academic perspectives, community realities, and the collaborative spirit of Harita personnel. As environmental challenges continue to evolve, Harita Nickel reaffirms its commitment to engaging the younger generation in advancing responsible and sustainable mining practices.
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