The COVID-19 outbreak has severely affected human health and disrupted the wheels of the economy. This outbreak poses a significant challenge for even large companies, testing whether they can withstand the uncertain situations in the coming days.
However, with the correct risk management implementation, the impact of COVID-19 can be mitigated from the outset, allowing companies to continue production.
In the Melak Cluster, for instance. The operations of the three ITM subsidiaries, namely TCM, BEK, and TIS, continue as usual, while production targets remain unchanged.
"So far, all tasks in each unit are still well managed," said Deddy Sugiharto, Head of Mining Engineering at TCM.
According to him, all contractors stick to the production plan made at the beginning of the year. The Melak Cluster, he added, has implemented 'Work from Home or in the Dorm' and 'Rotational Work', thereby reducing the number of people using buses. "Working from Home is an application of 'physical distancing' regulated by the government," he stated.
Since 17th April, the West Kutai Regency Government indeed declared an Extraordinary Occurrence in West Kutai. As of 13th May, 13 people tested positive based on rapid tests, and 1 more PDP was based on the swab test results.
Statistically, the number is expected to rise, considering the limited testing for COVID-19 due to equipment constraints and ineffective physical distancing within the community.
Mining management in the Melak Cluster complies with the West Kutai Regent's Instruction No. 10 of 2020 concerning restricting people's movements in and out of West Kutai. Therefore, the company postponed permits for employees planning to leave West Kutai for vacation and also delayed the return of employees from vacation into West Kutai to resume work.
However, the issue is that by mid-May, some contractor employees have been working for two periods without leave. "This condition will lead to fatigue," revealed Prayono Suryadi, Head of Mining Engineering at BEK, echoing Deddy. Consequently, production capacity might decrease.
Therefore, they are currently requesting permission for employees to undergo leave procedures. Of course, with additional security mechanisms ensuring that those returning from leave are healthy and free from COVID-19.
"We urge Melak Cluster employees to minimize activities outside the mining location," Deddy reminded.
Thankfully, so far, no employees in the Melak Cluster work area have contracted COVID-19. However, should there be any, "We have prepared everything needed for COVID-19 prevention and management," said Deddy.
Preparations include a series of protocols and procedures, medical aids such as PPE, medications, and other supporting equipment. Even isolation rooms to handle people under observation (ODP) are prepared.
It's not easy to protect hundreds of employees and contractors from COVID-19. First, the Melak Cluster is located in a remote area with limited amenities. Second, each contractor's employees have different understandings and reactions to this outbreak.
Luckily, the Melak Cluster has a strong management team, comprising the Melak Group Emergency Management Team (EMT) and the Contractor Forum, supported by all function heads in each department.
"We collaboratively face all the existing problems," Deddy clarified, adding that support from senior management and colleagues in Jakarta is needed for everything to keep running.
News from Embalut
Operational activities also continue as usual at Kitadin Embalut. According to the Head of Mining Engineering at PT Kitadin Embalut, Bonifasius Tipa, "The production target remains the same as the initial monthly and annual targets."
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, several policies were implemented. Among them, leaves for Embalut employees and contractors outside Kutai Kartanegara were postponed. All meetings, both in and outside the office, including Safety Talk activities, are held online. Employees are instructed to work from home. However, if not possible, they can still work as usual.
"Thank God, no one has been affected by the outbreak, whether employees, families, or community members in areas around the mine," said Boni.
Currently, large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) are not yet in place in Samarinda and Tenggarong. Community activities still run normally amid advisories from the local government for people to limit outdoor activities.
Embalut management implemented several policies, including scanning employee body temperatures upon entering work, spraying disinfectant in work areas, distributing masks and hand sanitizers to employees, adding handwashing stations, and providing employees with additional vitamins to boost immunity. Also, guest visits are postponed unless urgent.
There's a silver lining behind this outbreak, revealed Boni. "Workers have become more concerned about the health of themselves, colleagues, and families," he said. "They also go home on time." Additionally, there's a collective concern in the office and community to end the virus's spread.
