10 February 2025
Working in mining was a dream of Alan Darmawan, singer of the song “100 Million,” which is already so familiar to Insan Harita. Even before his fame, he thought that working in a mine meant that a person could have a good life.
"In North Maluku, only those who work in the mines can own expensive items. For example, if we want to get married, the dowry is 100 million. it can only be achieved by those who work in the mines," said Alan Darmawan, during his visit as a guest star of Loji Soundfest 2024, organized by PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk, on New Year's Eve.
To realize his young dream, Alan had sent job applications to several mining companies. One of his targets was Harita Nickel, an integrated nickel mining and processing technology company operating in Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku. Unfortunately, Alan's dream of working in mining was not to be and fate took him to another profession.
"I heard stories that the mine in Obi has excellent facilities. It's different from other mines in North Maluku," he said, recalling why he wanted to work at Harita Nickel. "Now that I've experienced it firsthand, it aligns with the expectations of others. Here, employees get a comfortable mess and working environment. There are sports facilities and entertainment so that employees do not get bored at work, "Alan replied in his own words.
Yes, Alan did not end up working at the mine. He works at the harbor and port authority office in Ternate City. But who would have thought that his work had become an “obligatory song” for mine workers. Alan has received numerous invitations, including those from mining companies, since the song gained popularity on social media in early 2023.
"It turns out that the song relates to many people. Perhaps this is also what makes it viral," he said, adding that from the song, he was contacted by the boss of a mining company who thanked him because of Alan's song. The mine, which was sluggish at that time, had the spirit to rise again. Alan also received appreciation from a mining employee, who claimed to have successfully proposed to his girlfriend because he was motivated by the "100 Million" song.
"People here see mining as something great. Working in a mine is prestigious. Like we want to propose marriage to someone's daughter, working in a mine is already a special status," Alan reiterated.
Similarly, President Tidore, a rapper from the Tidore Islands, North Maluku, who has traveled the world, admitted that he was tempted to work in a mine. “If I hadn't participated in the 25-country exhibition at that time, I might have given my application documents to Harita,” he said, jokingly recalling his regular public transportation driver every time he returned home. “Just now, I met them. I asked them what they do here, and they said they drive vehicles,” he continued, admitting that he was happy to hear that people from his hometown enjoyed working at Harita Nickel.
While Alan's songs are about the dream of being a mineworker with a good life, the lyrics of President Tidore's songs are filled with religious values and social criticism. Despite being known to be critical, this Tidore artist, who has lived in Yogyakarta for a long time, has a positive impression of mining as an asset for regional development.
"Actually, mining is not a new thing, since the sultanate era, there have been mines. As long as it is managed properly, environmental sustainability is maintained, and the community can live more prosperously, the presence of the mine is beneficial," said President Tidore, whose real name is Sadam Abdul Aziz, hoping that Harita Nickel can continue to consistently carry out mining and downstream operations in a sustainable manner.
Closing his visit, Alan Darmawan and President Tidore, who once dreamed of being a mineworker, admitted that they were happy and satisfied to be able to perform in front of Harita employees, especially after both of them could see for themselves and hear firsthand the recognition of Harita employees, who are primarily local residents of North Maluku, getting a comfortable working environment and better welfare.
For information, Alan Darmawan and President Tidore were present as guest stars in Loji Soundfest 2024 with the theme Vibra Nusantara held at the Nirwana field of PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk. They successfully attracted the attention of Harita employees to welcome the new year 2025.
For Harita Nickel, the event was more than just entertainment. It was an opportunity to strengthen ties with the local community, inspire the younger generation, and demonstrate that mining and community prosperity can go hand in hand.
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