The journey to the capital was a challenge of its own. It took well over a dozen hours—if not more—to reach Jakarta from Wetar Island in eastern Indonesia, with two transits in Atambua and Kupang. In Jakarta, even greater challenges awaited.

The event was not only their first competition but also their debut operating an excavator in front of a live audience—beyond their own trainer. Once they had mastered the basics, they had to immediately compete against seasoned operators from other mining companies.

That was a leap, considering the machine they usually drive is not an excavator but an ADT, or articulated dump truck. Since joining Wetar Copper Mine in 2022, they have been operating the six-wheeled truck, equipped with a central hinge that makes it nimble across rough terrain. Mastering the ADT was itself part of their “firsts.” Before joining Mining Apprentice, a program created to recruit and train local women operators, neither of them had driven a four-wheeled vehicle. Unlike Kristanty, Yanti had not even ridden a motorcycle before. Their first vehicle turned out to be heavy machinery—something even licensed drivers might never manage.

They believe the key to work is the willingness to learn, since skills can be sharpened through intensive training. When chosen to compete in Jakarta, it felt like another chance to push themselves further.

Beyond working hours, Kristanty and Yanti were trained by Muslik, a Mining Trainer at PT Batutua Tembaga Raya (BTR), one of the two companies managing the Wetar Copper Mine. The process was not too different from regular training. “First comes the classroom, learning safety and equipment,” Muslik explained. “Then we go to the field, where they learn to operate the unit.”

“The time was very short, just fifteen days,” Yanti recalled. “But the trainer always supported us with full confidence. What mattered was being able to perform our best in the competition.”

For Agus Satari, Training Supervisor at BTR, the participation of Wetar Copper Mine in this national competition was equally significant. “Beyond carrying the name of BTR,” Agus said, “we want to show others that we have skilled operators.”

“Thank God I was able to complete the training well,” Kristanty said, hoping she and Yanti could show their very best.

First photo: From left, Agus Satari, Muslik, Yanti Maryana Pio, and Kristanty Lendert. Second photo: The equipment introduction session.

If described simply, the 2025 Operator Championship challenge was straightforward: drop basketballs into three types of goals—a basketball hoop, an open oil drum, and a low wooden box the size of a desk drawer. In practice, however, it demanded extreme precision, even for seasoned operators.

Each participant was given ten basketballs, placed on traffic cones on one side of the excavator. Using the excavator’s bucket, they had to scoop the balls off the cones, lift them, then swing the arm across to drop them into the goals on the opposite side. The sequence of goals was up to the operator. Whoever managed to score in all three goals first—or scored the most within ten minutes—was declared the winner. Before the session ended, the excavator bucket had to be returned to its original position: resting on a pad of stacked burlap sacks.

“The hardest target is the box,” Kristanty admitted.

Yanti agreed: “The box is small. Once the ball hits inside, it bounces out.” In other words, a miss.

Operators competed in pairs, starting only when signaled by the referee. Touching the goal or the asphalt with the excavator bucket counted as a foul, leading to a yellow card. Red cards were issued for severe violations like damaging equipment, changing the machine’s settings, or driving out of bounds. The official match ended once all three goals had been scored, with the excavator bucket returned to its original position on the burlap sack pad.

The competition used a round-robin format, meaning each participant faced all others once, ensuring that the final results reflected consistency. Between elimination rounds, there were entertainment sessions, demonstrations, and open challenges.

Because participants from other companies withdrew, Kristanty and Yanti ended up being the only women among eight male operators. They faced each other as well as the men, with wins and losses alternating. In one open session, Kristanty even defeated an operator from another company.

Beyond the main competition, there was also an Exhibition match. All ten participants were split into two teams of five, led by Kristanty and Yanti. It was a relay format: each operator had to score two balls before switching out. Yanti’s team eventually edged out Kristanty’s.

Although they did not take home the main trophy, Kristanty and Yanti were honored with the Female Operator Pioneer Award. For them, it was a meaningful achievement—winning a top prize on their very first try would have been too many “firsts” at once. Both were grateful to represent Wetar in this prestigious event.

“Thank God I could give my best in this competition,” Kristanty reflected.

For Agus Satari, who along with Muslik accompanied them throughout the championship in Jakarta, that was what mattered most. “Winning is just a bonus for us,” he said.

Agus also shared Wetar Copper Mine’s plan to empower operators further: enabling experienced women operators to train the next generation of local recruits. “And in the future,” he added, “they can compete in even bigger championships.”

For Wetar Copper Mine, the participation of two local women operators in a national event was itself a proud milestone. Agus added that the community empowerment program would continue expanding into other areas, unlocking more potential from people in the mining community.

Kristanty and Yanti share the same determination: to return to the competition, carrying the lessons and experience from this year. They are deeply grateful for the trust given to represent Wetar in this event, especially to Jimmy Bob Soeroto, Head of Mining Engineering at the Wetar Copper Mine, who strongly supported them, and Boyke P. Abidin, President Director of the companies managing the Wetar Copper Mine, who warmly welcomed them in Jakarta.

Their message to other aspiring women operators?

“If others can do it, why can’t we?” Yanti said. “Let’s prove that women can operate machines of any size.”

Kristanty Lendert and Yanti Maryana Pio among fellow operators, from competing to receiving their award.

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The training program is designed to prepare skilled workers who will eventually operate the Pani Gold Project, which is projected to begin production in the first quarter of 2026. Training takes place at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine because is applies the heap leach method, the same processing method that will be implemented at the Pani Gold Project. The Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine, managed by PT Bumi Suksesindo, is a key asset of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, which also oversees the Pani Gold Project.

The Pani Gold Project will be managed by applying responsible mining practices to ensure the safe and sustainable use of resources. Containing more than 7 million ounces of gold, the project is set to become one of the largest primary gold mines in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since late 2023, the TDP has run seven batches, with most focusing on enhancing the skills of heavy equipment operators, and one batch dedicated to mentoring vocational school teachers—bringing direct benefits to the local community. The program is a strategic initiative to ensure local workers are ready to compete in the modern mining industry.

Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail, who attended the event, expressed his appreciation. “The Pani Gold Project has proven its commitment to improving education and human resources in Gorontalo Province through workforce training,” said Gusnar, before encouraging the trainees: “You must continue to push yourselves to grow.”

The Pani Gold Project’s contribution to education goes beyond workforce training. By mid-2025, four schools in Pohuwato Regency had been renovated—SD 02, SD 05, SMP 02 Buntulia, and SDN 09 Buntulia. These renovations, aimed at creating more comfortable learning environments, were complemented by sports equipment and other supporting facilities. The TDP event was also held at the newly renovated SDN 09 Buntulia, marking the official handover of the renovation to the school.

Pohuwato Deputy Regent Iwan S. Adam emphasized the importance of community support for investment and expressed his gratitude for the company’s contribution to school renovations.

Pani Gold Project Director Boyke P. Abidin added: “As a good neighbor, we continue to prove our commitment to developing human resources, both in Pohuwato Regency and Gorontalo Province.”

One training alumnus, Renard Andrey Van Gobel from Duhiadaa District, Pohuwato Regency, shared: “This program instills discipline and responsibility in us. Thank you for this valuable opportunity.”

Of the Batch 1 TDP VII participants who had just returned from Banyuwangi, 92 percent were from Pohuwato Regency. This reflects the company’s commitment to prioritizing local workers, preparing them for the workforce while also supporting the future operations of the mining project. By combining technical training, mental readiness, and the opportunity to learn from an internationally recognized mine, the company is building a strong foundation for the community’s long-term sustainability.

Annisa Nur Fitriani, HR Senior Supervisor at the Pani Gold Project, also reminded the departing participants: “Uphold the reputation of your hometown, maintain proper conduct and ethics during training. Learning doesn’t stop with one program. Curiosity must always be nurtured.”

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Since its inception in 2021, MYTP has seen three cohorts, with the number of participants steadily increasing each year—from 10 individuals in 2021 to 28 and 31 individuals in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

“I am proud to be part of MYTP. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about complex mining projects from experts in their respective fields,” said Wanda Nirmala Santoso, a member of MYTP’s inaugural cohort, who now works as a Junior Mechanical Engineer for the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project in Banyuwangi, East Java.

“The challenging MYTP recruitment process was an excellent way to test my skills and knowledge,” said Anisa Fakhira Mulya, reflecting on her MYTP journey in 2022. As an MYTP Trainee, Anisa works in Operational Readiness at the Merdeka headquarters in Jakarta. “I am enthusiastic and committed to making a positive impact on this industry,” she added.

MYTP is open to participants from various mining-related study programs. Anyone with a maximum age of 25 years for bachelor’s graduates and up to 27 years for master’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.3, can apply. Registration for MYTP 2023 will be closed on 30 September 2023 and selected candidates will be informed via email to take the online test on 2–6 October 2023. Participant selection will occur from mid-October to December 2023. For more detailed information about MYTP, please visit this page.

“Merdeka highly regards participants that show potential to be future leaders,” said Firdausya Adhwa Tastama, part of MYTP’s second cohort, serving in Technical Services for the Tujuh Bukit Copper Project. Her advice to prospective participants: “Be yourself and practice before the exams and interviews.”

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Main photo: Anisa Fakhira Mulya, Operational Readiness PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.

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At the Jakarta headquarters, starting a week before the celebration day, various activities are organized for the employees of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, ranging from traditional costume contests, pizza eating, to ping pong matches, PlayStation football, and various online games. There’s also the Merdeka Talent competition with participants from various Merdeka subsidiaries spread across three islands in Indonesia.

At mining operations and projects, sports take the spotlight. At the Wetar Copper Mine, there are volleyball, ping pong, and badminton tournaments. At the Pani Gold Project, alongside futsal and chess matches, unique contests for the 17th of August celebration are held: inserting straws into bottles from the back and the most physically demanding in a short time: tug of war. While the announcement of competition winners at the Jakarta headquarters takes place on August 16th, 2023, in various mining operations and projects of the Merdeka group, the announcement is made after the flag ceremony on Independence Day, an event held annually at each operational area and project site.

This year is exceptional for PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI), which manages the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine and Tujuh Bukit Copper Project in Banyuwangi, East Java. This year, the independence celebration coincides with BSI’s 11th anniversary, coupled with two significant achievements: gold production of 1 million ounces since 2017, and recording 20 million work hours without Lost Time Injury—a work-related injury that halts employee activities.

A number of senior management, directors, and commissioners are present among the employees, including Commissioners of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk: Yoke Candra and Sigit Sukirno Sudibyo; President Director of BSI, Adi Sjoekri; General Manager of Operations (GMO) BSI, Roelly Fransza; and Deputy GMO BSI, Kieran Rich.

“We are confident that the improving company conditions will bring greater benefits to employees and their families, the surrounding environment, and of course, our beloved Indonesia,” said Adi Sjoekri.

Apart from appreciating BSI’s achievements, Roelly Fransza emphasizes the link between production achievements and workplace safety. He likens it to a situation where work without safety is a loss, while safety without work is wasteful. “The culture of safety is not just for our own well-being but also an expression of our love for our families,” he added.

All employees, families, and associates of BSI enjoy various facilities, from children’s playgrounds to diverse food stalls. The event is also enlivened by musical performances, including a showcase by the Kuwung Wetan traditional arts group.

Merdeka Group’s various Indonesian independence celebrations simultaneously reflect the spirit of continuous growth through safety-focused collaboration, embodying the cherished values of Merdeka.

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This year, Bakti Merdeka is in collaboration with the Indonesian Children’s Cancer Foundation (YKAI), an institution that has assisted over 5,000 children with cancer from underprivileged families since 2018. YKAI provides support such as medicines, transportation, entertainment, and encouragement, not only to the young patients but also to their parents, partially made possible through partnerships with various entities, including companies like Merdeka.

The inaugural Bakti Merdeka event took place at Flix Cinema, SCBD, South Jakarta, on July 31, 2023. The agenda included Merdeka employees who had registered as volunteers playing games with the children from YKAI throughout the morning until noon. After lunch, the children returned to watch the movie Elemental (2023) together with their parents in the same screening room.

Bakti Merdeka was opened by Tom Malik, the General Manager of Corporate Communication at Merdeka. He expressed gratitude to the participating employees and was delighted that the number of registrants exceeded capacity. Out of 25 registrants, only 18 employees could participate. The children’s participation depended heavily on their medical schedules and health conditions. Due to the illness of two prospective participants, only 16 children took part on the day of the event.

The employees and children aged from 5 to 18 years then engaged in various games, either as individual teams or in groups with other partners. A series of games were held, from eating biscuits placed on foreheads using facial expressions only, to relaying small plastic balls with straws, and stacking plastic cups in a tiered manner. These teamwork-intensive games were carried out in a cohesive, fun, and warm atmosphere.

“I’m happy I got two prizes!” exclaimed Alvino (5 years old), who won the first two games while dancing around.

“The event was fun,” added Syifahliana (8 years old), the winner of the final game. “I also have a message: may the Merdeka’s volunteer always stay healthy.”

The event concluded with a donation of Rp25 million from Merdeka to support YKAI’s programs. The donation was presented by Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, the Chief of External Affairs at Merdeka, to Sallyana Sorongan, the Chairperson of YKAI.

“Everyone should be able to give back to our community,” said Boyke. “This togetherness needs to be continuously fostered in the future.”

The employees involved accompanied the children with joy in their hearts. Rizfa Rendo, an Estimating Manager at Merdeka Mining Services, accompanied Fariz, who was also 11 years old like his own child. “Today, I accompanied them during the games, and even though I lost, we were still happy,” he said. “Luckily, they remained enthusiastic. So, there’s more fun for everyone.”

“This event is heartwarming,” said Ni Luh Dila Wahyu Kinanti, a Project Engineer at Merdeka, who accompanied Alvino, who received the most prizes. “They are so adorable and cute.”

The collaboration with YKAI in Bakti Merdeka will continue until the end of 2023 with various activities and support, including book and gadget donations, knowledge sharing, storytelling, and medical transportation.

“With today’s event, the children are happy, and the parents are happy too,” said Yoldi Tuju, Vice-Chairman of YKAI. “It’s important for children with cancer to feel accepted, that they are entitled to good health and will continue to fight. Events like this strengthen their fighting spirit even more.”

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That afternoon, 16 March 2023, Henny was one of three speakers in the discussion that celebrated International Women’s Day one week earlier. The Inclusive Mindsets and Challenging Stereotypes discussion at Hard Rock Café Jakarta was held by Merdeka in collaboration with Women in Mining & Energy (WiME), a women’s advocacy organization in the mining and energy sector.

The discussion was opened by Titien Supeno, Merdeka Director, who is used to being in executive meetings which are always filled with men. “There are two types of barriers to women’s career advancement,” she says, “individual and institutional.”

Institutionally, Merdeka is serious about realizing its commitment to supporting women’s empowerment. The number of Merdeka women employees continues to increase and they occupy various positions, from heavy equipment operators, and exploration managers, to directors. As of 22 February 2023, there were 623 women employees at Merdeka, 8.5% of all employees—a steady increase from 573, 305, and 200 in 2022, 2021, and 2020.

In addition to various policies and facilities that support women, Merdeka also provides a whistleblowing system that includes grievances on sexual harassment and violence. “My job as management is, among others, to protect women workers,” said Titien. Regarding individual barriers, she added, “Don’t allow a mindset that belittles ourselves, because we are just as capable as men.”

The session continued with remarks from Maya Muchlis, the founder and Executive Director of WiME, who hoped that Merdeka would have more women leaders. “Because gender equality is not only a women’s problem,” she added before encouraging the discussion that will take place.

Apart from Henny, two other speakers in the discussion were Hikmawati, a Sustainability Specialist, and Balada Amor, a Senior Mining Specialist from The World Bank, the Energy and Extractives Global Practice section.

Hikmawati shared her experience implementing community development programs around mines using a gender approach. There has been a lot of research that says that the gender equality approach is a crucial contributor to sustainable development, not only within the scope of the company but also within the community. The involvement of women—more vulnerable to the social and environmental impacts of mining—in community development programs is crucial because women’s perspectives on sustainable development are more comprehensive. For example, according to Hikmawati, suggestions from male residents regarding social programs around the mine mainly were about infrastructure such as building roads and bridges. The involvement of women raises essential needs such as clean water and health. “Women’s involvement in development planning, both at the community and national levels,” said Hikmawati, “ensures that everyone’s needs are represented.”

Balada Amor agreed and discussed women’s issues from a global perspective. “When there are women’s voices in decision-making,” she said, “the economic empowerment is more successful.”

The 100 seats reserved for visitors that afternoon were filled with Merdeka and other companies’ women employees, plus several visitors from WiME and The World Bank. There were other Merdeka Group employees from its operation sites who joined the discussion via Zoom.

After the presentation session, the visitors enthusiastically asked questions. Questions revolved around career tips for women and further exploration of the speakers’ experiences, including what men need to do to make women more comfortable working in the mining sector.

“As long as we improve our knowledge in the field, self-confidence will grow along as expertise increases,” said Henny, responding to a question about career tips for women. “We need to be open and communicative with co-workers and seniors who are more experienced than us—exchanging ideas and absorbing knowledge.”

After two hours, the event finished at five in the afternoon. Dian Octavia, Sustainability Senior Manager for Merdeka Battery Materials, a subsidiary of Merdeka, said that the event which shows the Merdeka Group’s commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is very beneficial for Merdeka employees because “It encourages women to be more courageous to speak up and grow,” she said.

Salma Hanifia, Supervisor Contract Merdeka, was thankful for this event. “Very inspiring,” she said, “especially for us women who work in mining.”
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Merdeka was accepted as a member of the UN Global Compact on 6 December 2022. Subsequent to Merdeka’s membership approval by the UN Global Compact, a certificate handover ceremony was held at Merdeka’s office on 16 December 2022 where Y.W. Junardy, President of Indonesia Global Compact Network (IGCN), UN Global Compact local chapter in Indonesia, presented the membership certificate to Albert Saputro, President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk. The event was also attended by IGCN representatives: Ani Rahardjo, Director of IGCN, and Jenneke Waworuntu, Relations Management Officer & Program Development; and Merdeka representatives: Boyke P. Abidin, Director of External Affairs; Tom Malik, General Manager Corporate Communications; and Bahtiar Manurung, Sustainability Manager.

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The management of IFRC by BSI is a form of Merdeka Group’s commitment to safety in every aspect of mining. BSI also made the IFRC event to support Banyuwangi tourism by placing the main activities in tourist areas: Pulau Merah, Boom Marina Beach, and the Banyuwangi Women’s Building to trigger economic activity. BSI also involves MSMEs and residents to support the event.

The day after IFRC, BSI sent an Emergency Response Team (ERT) and logistical assistance to Cianjur, West Java, which was hit by an earthquake two days earlier. The BSI ERT team, which is often involved in various humanitarian missions in disaster areas, joined the disaster preparedness team under the coordination of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources until early December.

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Three BKP-BTR employees scored achievements in the Innovation Award event. Thanks to the concept of increasing production by 15 percent, Oman is the best.

Operations of the Wetar Copper Mine on Friday, April 1 went as normal: those in the office were busy with administration, and those in the field were doing their respective tasks. By evening, the atmosphere changed. Abdurrahman’s name was suddenly widely discussed verbally and in WhatsApp text messages among Batutua Kharisma Permai and Batutua Tembaga Raya (BKP-BTR), the company that operates copper mining and processing on Wetar Island.

What’s wrong with Abdurrahman? The commotion arose because Merdeka Copper Gold in Jakarta, the holding company of the Wetar Copper Mine, had just announced that Abdurrahman was the first winner in the Innovation Award, a competition for innovation creation between employees to increase safety and production, as well as save costs and improve the environment.

The names of the winners were announced that day. The competition itself has been going on since October 2021. The selection is done in stages, each site or subsidiary sends five names, then by the committee at the head office these names are assessed again until 10 finalists appear.

Which one is Abdurrahman? Commonly called Oman, huh? Uh, which Oman is that? What did he do? Where is she? Can you send the photo? Questions like these are milling about.

When his name began to be mentioned, the owner himself was in one of the rooms in the Recreation Hall, a sports facility and meeting for BKP-BTR employees, for the presentation process and the jury’s assessment of the top 10 Innovation Award finalists which took place via the Zoom application. In the same room were Kiagus Zulkifli and Lutfiyah Dea Gita, two other finalists from Wetar, and Mohammad Adithya Putra—a friend who also helped Oman in compiling the competition materials.

“Yes! Alhamdulillah!”

Zulkifli exclaimed when his name appeared on the screen as the first runner-up. He received applause from others, including two BKP-BTR staff who helped facilitate the event, Rada Maruto, and Mariska Sindy Lontoh. After a while, the name ABDURRAHMAN – WETAR appeared on the screen as the first winner. Applause immediately erupted in the room. Oman who has a calm demeanor just smiles back, his lips moving to say alhamdulillah. Thanks to his victory, Oman received prize money of IDR30 million.

Naturally, Oman is not well known on the Wetar site. He has only been joining BKP-BTR for seven months, since October 2021 to be exact. This Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Indonesia is assigned to the Plant Metallurgist Section – Crushing Heapleach, Processing Department. The man from Padang admitted that he took part in the competition because he wanted to gain experience and compete to be the best in terms of improvement and efficiency. For him, the competition is also a moment to hone himself in thinking carefully, working together in a team, and practicing his ability to speak in public.

In the Innovation Award, Oman submitted the topic of Cost Efficiency to Production Wetar Copper Mine in the Crushing-Heapleach Sector. This topic is a proposed step to change the production method which experienced a decline in the previous year. “This topic has been implemented as a project and has resulted in a 15 percent increase in production,” said Oman. The project was carried out by Oman with two of his colleagues, Adhit and Kemi Kharisma, both of whom also work in the metallurgical department. They prepared a project for two months and collaborated with other related departments. “We also get guidance from the senior metallurgists here,” said Oman.

Meanwhile, Zukifli from Palembang presented his idea about financing drilling and blasting. The proposal is how to reduce funding by reducing the use of explosives and their accessories. This Bachelor of Mining Engineering from Sriwijaya University is motivated to participate in the Innovation Award because he is concerned with efforts to increase production while saving production costs. Zulkifli, who has been working in the Mine Planning – Mining Department since 2019, tested his proposal from June to September 2021 with six colleagues and under the guidance of the mining technical leaders at the Wetar Copper Mine, namely Edi Widodo and Muhamad Faizal.

Meanwhile, Lutfiyah, who is usually called Upi, joined the competition, one of which was because of the attractive prize money. The innovation proposed by Upi, who works in Processing – Operations, is how to create added value from used waste into metal commodities. This Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) got the idea from his colleague Brian Swahadana, fellow ITB alumni.

The idea arose when there was a problem related to the storage and management of waste that was categorized as hazardous and toxic (B3) and BKP-BTR did not have an adequate place to store lead waste, which included B3 in large quantities. The Upi project, which is also assisted by Brian Swahadana and Alvi Adli, also alumni of ITB, offers an effort that can eliminate the risk of environmental pollution due to B3 waste as well as eliminate the cost of procuring storage facilities or handing over management to third parties. “From the calculation simulation that we carried out starting in mid-2021, savings could be made of up to 40 percent,” said Upi, an employee from Cirebon, who is now in his fourth year at Wetar. For this project, Upi got the eighth position.

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Through competitions and competitions, Merdeka group employees put their skills to the test.

Employee competitions can increase the enthusiasm, creativity, and togetherness of employees at work. That is what Merdeka Copper Gold wants to trigger when holding the Merdeka Innovation Award (MIA) other than to find the latest innovations, which can be applied in the company, directly from employees who best understand their work practices. With a total prize of Rp. 100 million, MIA opens registrations from November 2021 to January 31, 2022. The innovations sought are those that can improve safety and production, save costs, and improve the environment, both new ideas and those that have been implemented. Participants can be a work team, at least two people.

“This competition provides an opportunity for Merdeka people to show their abilities, along with the progress of Merdeka,” said Boyke Abidin, Merdeka’s Chief External Affairs, who was on the jury with Albert Saputro, Merdeka’s President Director; Eric Rahardja, Chief of Commercial and Business Support Merdeka; and Raymond Hadisubrata, a management consultant representing independent parties.

Of the 45 participating teams, which came from Merdeka and its subsidiaries, 10 finalist teams were selected which were further selected into five winners: first to third place winners and two hopeful winners. The first winner came from Batutua Kharisma Permai and Batutua Tembaga Raya (BKP-BTR), employees who have only worked for six months named Abdurrahman, better known as Oman. Through the Crush Size Optimization innovation, he proposed a change in production methods that could reduce costs that had been implemented with two of his colleagues, Adhit and Kemi Kharisma, who were also working with other departments. The result? “The increase in production by 15 percent,” said Oman.

Meanwhile, Aldaka Wiguna from the Geoscience department (PSF Data Lead) of Bumi Suksesindo (BSI), the second winner in this competition, used machine learning to help analyze various geological data. That way, the analysis becomes more objective because it is truly data-based, and can be used to make various decisions, from legal, social, resource, environmental, to mining operations. Aldaka, who is usually called Aldo, considers this competition very good, “Because it provides an opportunity to appreciate employee innovation,” he said. He also believes that enthusiasm will be even higher if the number of prizes in the next competition is increased. Titis Wibowo, the second runner-up from Geoscience Business Improvement at Merdeka Mining Servis added that this is not only an event for employees to develop themselves, but also an event for advancing Merdeka together. This year, MIA will be held again, registration opens from October 2022.

Recently, Merdeka also held an essay and photo competition to commemorate Earth Day, which falls on April 22, 2022, with the theme Where I Work is My Beautiful Little Earth. “This competition is held so that employees can be more involved in environmental issues,” said Amin Radjali, manager of the HSE, Risk, and Sustainability department which organized the competition. Sitting as photography judges are Azlan Ismail, Senior Manager Risk, HSE, Sustainability; Gerick Mouton, Chief Project Development at the time; and Simon Milroy, CEO of Merdeka. While the essay judges are Boyke Abidin; Titien Supeno, Director of Human Resources; and Albert Saputro, President Director of Merdeka. The number of winners of the essay competition is the same as in the photography category: three main winners and three hopeful winners.

Indah Permatasari, administrator of the External Affairs division of BSI, who wants to practice her writing skills, is excited to join the competition. Thanks to his writing, on managing the diversity of animals that live in the forest around BSI’s mining operations, he won second place. Representing BSI, Indah is not alone. Three other colleagues from BSI also won the essay competition: Ridwan Syam (1^st Place), Sukadi (^3rd Place), and Argha Nugraha (2^nd Hope Champion)—the latter also participated in a photography competition and won first place.

The participants hope that Merdeka will continue to hold competitions. In addition to coloring the routine after work—especially for those who work daily on a site with a rooster work system—competition can hone creativity and increase collaboration between teams and departments. “The ability of employees who do not appear during work, can also be appreciated by more people,” said Indah.

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