PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) is removing the stigma that jobs in the mining sector can only be done by men. 120 women are empowered as haul truck operators at the Wetar Copper Mine Operation managed by PT BKP-BTR (a subsidiary of MDKA).

As of February 2024, MDKA employs 796 female employees out of a total of 7,390 employees (approximately 11% of employees) spread across Jakarta and some of MDKA's mining operations in Indonesia. There has been a 2.5% increase in the number of female employees since March 2023 and some of them are at the managerial level.

"In other words, Wetar Copper Mine operates its haul trucks with 100% female employees. In addition, the Green Operator program at the Tujuh Bukit Banyuwangi Mine Operation, which is managed by PT Bumi Suksesindo (a subsidiary of MDKA), also conducts training and produces a majority of female employees as operators of heavy haul equipment at the Tujuh Bukit mine operation," said MDKA Director of Human Resources Titien Supeno in a written statement, Tuesday (12/3/2024).

In terms of organizations, MDKA has also joined national and international organizations related to women, such as Women in Mining & Energy (WiME) and the Indonesia Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (IBCWE). Not just a member, MDKA also actively participates in activities organized by these organizations to strengthen the company's commitment to supporting inclusiveness in the work environment.

"In addition to the growing number of female workers, as a form of commitment to the principle of human rights, MDKA has also opened equal employment opportunities to our brothers and sisters who have disabilities to work with other employees within the MDKA Group," she said.

For the record, MDKA also held a series of International Women's Day 2024 with the theme 'Inspire Inclusion' on March 7-8, 2024. This series of activities is a form of appreciation and pride for the contribution of female workers in MDKA. In the series of events, MDKA supported MSMEs owned by employees and colleagues with disabilities by holding a bazaar and a skills workshop by cooperating with the disabled community forum, namely Setara Berdaya and Precious One.

In addition, MDKA also discussed with Komnas Perempuan RI. The theme of the discussion was 'Empowering Women and Promoting Inclusiveness for a Sustainable Economy.' The series of activities is a momentum for the future in increasing support for diversity in the work environment, inclusiveness, and improving facilities aimed at providing comfort for female workers in the company.

"Going forward, MDKA will continue to develop policies and facilities so that MDKA can be a safe and comfortable workplace for all employees, especially women and people with disabilities. We have facilitated employees with a comfortable lactation room, two days of menstrual leave, female operator positions on site, and a whistleblowing system, professionally managed by an independent consultant, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), specifically designed in the event of violations in our workplace," Titien concluded.

Image source: Detik.com / Doc. Merdeka Copper Gold
Source: https://news.detik.com/berita/d-7237814/merdeka-copper-gold-berdayakan-120-perempuan-jadi-sopir-truk-tambang