20 November 2024
The steady growl of heavy machinery filled the air in the nursery area of PT Halmahera Persada Lygend (HPL), a Harita Nickel subsidiary on Obi Island, North Maluku. An excavator moved with measured precision, its bucket lifting earth as employees watched closely. With a single gesture from one of them, the operator cut the engine, and the noise faded, leaving the quiet of the island in its wake.
The man who give the signal is Irwan Tonny, Safety Trainer Supervisor at HPL. That afternoon, Irwan was overseeing the excavator operation training attended by several unskilled employees.
The training is part of the Green Development Program (GDP), an initiative launched by the Human Resources (HR) team at HPL in collaboration with the Safety Trainer team, who serve as both supervisors and on-site trainers. This initiative aims to enhance the skill set of the company’s unskilled workforce.
“This program is more than just technical training that provides basic knowledge to employees,” Irwan stated. “Harita Nickel is committed to ensuring that every participant understands the critical importance of workplace safety and develops a strong sense of discipline and work ethic. Participants will learn not only how to operate machinery and heavy equipment but also how to become responsible operators who prioritize safety,” he further explained.
Since its launch in 2019, GDP has created opportunities for hundreds of previously unskilled workers to grow and contribute within the company. To date, more tham 600 employees have undergone upskilling through the program. Participants are selected by department heads, chosen based on their potential to advance further, provided they have a minimum of one year of service and a clean disciplinary record.
In addition, the GDP extends beyond excavator training, it encompasses a comprehensive range of heavy equipment, including wheel loaders, overhead cranes, dump trucks, crane trucks, forklifts, and other machinery critical to the company’s operations.
Novar Rafdy Zul Ikram, HR Officer at HPL who has been involved in the program’s development, outlined the challenges the company faced prior to this initiative. “Previously, we had to source labor from outside the region, which not only significantly increased operational costs but also presented challenges such as a lack of understanding of the local culture and work environment,” he explained. “By shifting our focus to the development of local resources, we have successfully empowered the community and established a skilled, loyal workforce that is better aligned with the company’s vision.”
Novar further explained that the name Green Development Program was chosen as a symbol of hope and growth. This program is specifically designed to empower employees who previously lacked skills by offering comprehensive training. The goal is to create new opportunities for these individuals, enabling them to become skilled laborers who fulfill the company’s requirements.
The training within GDP is structured to ensure that participants acquire not only technical skills, such as operating heavy machinery, but also a comprehensive understanding of the importance of adhering to safety standards. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including basic safety, component identification and functionality, engine systems, operational techniques, as well as Daily Inspection and Maintenance (P2H).
“Safety is our top priority,” Irwan empashized. “We want to ensure that everyone can return home safely every day, without injury. That is why we consistently emphasize the importance of safety procedures at every stage of training, from the basics to field operations.”
The outcomes of this program are clearly evident. Several participants, who initially had no technical background, have now become skilled operators and valuable assets to the company. For them, this training is not just about mastering the techniques for operating heavy machinery, but also represents a significant opportunity to achieve a better quality of life.
“Green Development Program is an excellent initiative that provides substantial benefits to us. Beyond enhancing our understanding of how to operate heavy equipment and manage it effectively in the field, this program also offers us the opportunity to further develop our potential,” remarked Aswan Tidore, a graduate of the program who is now serving as a Foreman in the Production Department at HPL.
Furthermore, Aswan highlighted how the program engages a diverse range of employees, from those with basic experience to those entirely new to the field. “Thanks to this program, we have gained increased confidence in our ability to develop and compete within the company,” he remarked.
Additionally, the success of the GDP extends beyond the participating employees; it also delivers significant benefits to the company. This initiative has allowed HPL to reduce operational costs previously allocated for sourcing external labor while simultaneously enhancing employee loyalty. “When employees recognize that the company is genuinely committed to their development, their motivation and engagement with their work inevitably increase,” Novar explained.
Both Irwan and Novar, who consistently demonstrate enthusiasm in implementing this program, aspire for the GDP to continue evolving and serve as a sustainable model for empowerment.
Through the GDP, Harita Nickel has not only successfully created skilled and reliable workers but also demonstrated that the company can make a positive contribution to the community. With a clear vision and consistent dedication, Harita Nickel shows that the success of the company can go hand in hand with community empowerment, creating a brighter future for all parties involved.[]
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