03 March 2022
A private yacht slid slowly into the waters of the Kawasi sea that afternoon, on March 3, 2022. Clear skies welcomed the arrival of the ship containing 20 people. While passing through villages and industrial ports, a man in a cap with a white official dress, got out of the ship. He carefully watched the coast of the Kawasi sea.
The man is none other than the Governor of North Maluku KH Abdul Gani Kasuba (AGK). AGK, which goes by the nickname Ustaz Gani, enjoyed the blue and beautiful Kawasi sea, the western part of Obi Island. Upon entering the harbor dock owned by Harita Nickel, he was greeted by a clear turquoise estuary. There is no turbidity or color change at all, as some of the media have recently reported.
Ustaz Gani's sudden, unplanned presence was not without purpose. His attendance, accompanied by the Head of the North Maluku Energy and Mineral Resources Service, Hasyim Daeng Barang, and the environmental investigator of the North Maluku Environment Service, Yusra Hi Noho, and his entourage, came to ensure that Obi sea conditions, especially Kawasi, remained safe and well maintained. The anxiety was immediately answered when he saw the sea remained clear and blue as far as the eye could see.
After observing the Kawasi waters, and anchoring at the company's dock, the Governor's entourage went straight to the Halmahera Persada Lygend (HPL) office. The group accompanied by the Head of External Relations of Harita Nickel, Stevi Thomas from Ternate, North Maluku, was immediately greeted by the Person in Charge of Engineering and Environment of HPL, Rico W. Albert. While resting after going through a tiring journey by air and sea since the morning, Rico explained the most recent conditions and developments of Harita.
Rico W. Albert to the Governor and his staff to ensure that all operations are in accordance with and comply with all applicable permits. This commitment is also demonstrated by good operations, such as the absence of fatalities (accidents that cause death).
“All of these achievements cannot be separated from the support of the Regional Government, both the Regency and the Province, who continue to monitor and guide the company. This good coordination will continue to be improved. We are grateful for that", said Rico in front of the Governor and his entourage.
Rico also explained that, in the future, Harita will become one of the largest nickel management companies in Indonesia that will provide optimal contributions to the region and nation, of course, while maintaining the environment. He also ensured that the company has implemented its social responsibility program well and will continue to strive to be better.
After Rico's explanation, Governor AGK in front of Harita management and employees said that he was pleased to directly assess Harita operations and ensure the environment is safe and maintained. This is a form of local government support for investment.
“I am proud of Harita who has invested heavily in my homeland, North Maluku. However, I ask that the environment is still considered by following the existing rules. Harita operations must be able to provide benefits to the region and the community," said AGK when giving directions to Harita Management.
The governor also requested that Harita must continue to look after the environment. Currently, the global world is directing attention to Indonesian nickel, especially Harita. Therefore, Ustaz Gani wants Harita to become a beacon of North Maluku in Indonesia.
"Especially the fact that Harita operates in North Maluku, in South Halmahera Regency, which is my homeland. It is not only Harita who is proud but I am also proud,” he said.
The Governor and his entourage toured the operational area and were accompanied directly by Stevi Thomas who is also the President Commissioner of HPL. To the Governor, Stevi Thomas explained HARITA Nickel's commitment to the environment and ensured that the issue of environmental pollution by Harita was not true, as witnessed by the Governor directly.
On the sidelines of the visit, Yusra Hi Noho who is also the Head of Pollution and Environmental Damage said that out of 109 mining business permits in North Maluku, Harita is the best company in environmental management. Not only that, all helpful recommendations are always responded to positively. Hopefully, this will continue to be improved.
"In terms of the environment, the commitment from Harita Nickel is extraordinary, because of all the companies I evaluated, Harita is still very committed to environmental management," said Yusra to the media crew who accompanied the group.
After touring and reviewing the first nickel refining plant in Indonesia that produces the raw material for the electric car battery, the group again left the location in the afternoon.
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