Preparing for the post-mining era, a series of briefings have been organized for the employees over the past two years to mentally and financially prepare themselves.
In 2017, the training content was focused on mental and financial readiness. This year, on September 4-5, the material continued with an entrepreneurship workshop.
A total of 137 employees, ranging from helpers to department heads, participated in this program. Participants were divided into 3 batches, with each session lasting 4 hours.
The theme "Closing the Mine?" frames a question that could raise eyebrows, as to whether it has been considered or not considered at all.
In his opening speech, Deputy Head of Mining Techniques, Sumargiyanto, advised employees not to rush and to start preparing for the mine closure as early as possible, according to individual aspirations.
"If some want to continue working, start equipping yourself with knowledge, experience, and skills that support your next career," said Sumargiyanto, who also serves as the Compliance and Risk Management Manager.
"But what's interesting is becoming a boss of our own business," he added. He also expressed hope that after attending this workshop, employees' horizons would broaden, enabling them to explore their potential to work outside of their current roles.
Participants then received training material from Mohammad Iqbal, who has been involved in Income Generating Activity and has facilitated SMEs for about 30 years.
"There is no term 'retirement' for humans," he said, emphasizing that endeavor is lifelong, while retirement only applies to employees.
"The time being an employee is a time to cultivate excellence," he added.
Participants were also invited to map out their potentials and start thinking about business models according to their aspirations and strengths and then discuss them.
"To become an entrepreneur, strong will is required. Don't be shy, keep learning, don't be greedy, always maintain quality, and keep giving charity," Mohammad Iqbal said at the end of the workshop.
