Mining and plantation activities in Kalimantan require Human Resources with specific skills, and heavy equipment mechanics are one of them. Therefore, PT Graha Panca Karsa (GPK) organized training and apprenticeships for teenagers in the first ring area of its operations.
GPK is a coal mining company, a subsidiary of PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk (ITM), located in the Tering District of Kutai Barat Regency, East Kalimantan. In preparation for its mining operations, GPK is in the process of developing a Community Development and Empowerment Master Plan (RI-PPM) by conducting social mapping and is currently initiating community empowerment programs before commencing mining operations.
With the aim of equipping the youth of Kampung Tukul with heavy equipment mechanical skills, GPK partnered with PT United Tractor (UT) to conduct technical heavy equipment skills training and a Pre-Mechanic Apprenticeship program for 35 days starting from June 8, 2021. Participants underwent administrative selection, interviews, and health checks. The selection process was carried out by a village selection team and approved by the Company.
There were 11 participants from Kampung Tukul, which is part of the first ring village of GPK's operations, based on the Environmental Document approved by the Government.
Deddy Sugiharto, Director of GPK, stated that this training program is a follow-up to discussions with community leaders in Kampung Tukul, as outlined in the social mapping report. Meanwhile, Alfirmansyah, Head of Mining Engineering at GPK, mentioned that the pre-mechanic internship program has already been included in the 2021 RKAB Approval and is part of the program formulation in the RI-PPM.
"After completing the internship, GPK will employ ready-to-work labor for contractors operating in GPK's work area and surrounding areas," Alfirmansyah added.
During the event, Deddy, representing GPK's board of directors, expressed gratitude to the Village Selection Team for rigorously screening the training candidates. "I hope the younger participants take this program seriously and stay focused on completing it. I look forward to meeting with them again at the program's conclusion," he conveyed.
"This aligns with the vision and mission of the Regent of Kutai Barat to enhance the quality of human resources in this region," he added. Silan expressed his appreciation to GPK as the initiator and UT as the Trainer who worked on molding students from Kampung Tukul. He hoped that this program could be sustainable and implemented by other companies.
The involvement of the local community in the company's operations is crucial from the perspective of sustainable development. GPK is implementing the elements of social responsibility of the Company at the right moment, so that the results can be felt for the progress of both the community and the Company.
