Indonesian government continues to encourage the downstream industry program by reducing exports of raw materials. This is done to increase added value in the industrial sector and the competitiveness of the national economy. Because through the downstream program, the use of technology transfer is important in utilizing the results of natural resources and protecting the environment.

A study just published by the Institute for Development of Economic and Finance (INDEF) revealed that nickel is currently one of the mining materials that can provide great benefits for improving people's welfare compared to other base metal industries.

In addition, through a study entitled The Impact of Mining Sector Investment on National and Regional Economic Performance, INDEF noted that there are four largest nickel-producing provinces in Indonesia, namely South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and North Maluku. The province has experienced an increase in investment realization in the downstream sector and has contributed to investment receipts in the mining sector by 83.35 percent during 2021.

Indonesian Cabinet Secretary, Pramono Anung also said downstream nickel was proven to contribute to Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves. The figure stands at nearly USD 139 billion through July 2023.

Data from the Central Sulawesi Statistics Agency also shows that Central Sulawesi's economic condition in the third quarter of 2023 experienced growth of 13.06 percent compared to the third quarter of 2022 (y-on-y). The increase also included the growth of the processing industry by 27.99 percent and mining and quarrying also experienced growth of 13.32 percent.

Therefore, PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI), as one of the leading nickel smelter companies in Indonesia, has contributed to the government's nickel downstream efforts.

The company, which operates in North Morowali, Central Sulawesi, increases the value of nickel products by being predicted to be able to produce up to 2 million Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) per year with nickel content of 10-12 percent. Through this process, GNI not only strives to continue to boost the national economy but also encourages the economic capacity of the area around the industrial circle.

PT GNI Head of Corporate Communication Mellysa Tanoyo explained that PT GNI's smelter is not only a facility or industrial growth, but also a catalyst for change and transformation of society as a whole. This is what makes PT GNI focus on contributing to sustainable development, among others, through direct recruitment in villages in North Morowali Regency and running sustainable social programs (CSR).

"Since the construction stage until now, PT GNI has absorbed more than tens of thousands of workers. In the future, it will continue to increase, estimated to tens of thousands of workers. PT GNI also continues to actively recruit employees, including working with village heads around the factory location to organize employee recruitment," Mellysa said in a written statement, Monday (8/1/2024).

Mellysa continued, through planning if all projects in the industrial area where PT GNI operates are fully running, the number of local workers absorbed is projected to reach tens of thousands of people. This figure involves more than 90 percent of Indonesia's labor needs, ranging from basic jobs to managerial levels in smelters.

"Currently, we have absorbed approximately 12,000 workers. Meanwhile, Foreign Workers (TKA) are only around ten percent and will continue to decline, along with the transfer of knowledge and technology," said Mellysa.

This industry, which has a high level of complexity of production processes and technology, realizes how important it is to maintain the security and safety of its workers. So that PT GNI is committed to implementing occupational safety and health (K3) by providing strict and comprehensive work safety procedures, considering that the Ministry of Manpower also participates. This regulation covers various aspects, such as occupational safety, occupational health, and work environment.

In concrete steps, PT GNI formed an Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee (P2K3) in order to oversee the implementation of the K3. The committee is also a means of dialogue and talking space between the company and employees. Not only that, PT GNI also regularly holds an agenda of Basic Education and Training (Diklatsar) for Rescue and Handling of Work Accidents.

The Indonesian workforce, most of which come from the traditional mining industry, needs to equip themselves with skills and competencies that are in accordance with the needs of the downstream nickel industry. Therefore, PT GNI also holds regular training and certification activities.

Some of them are requiring heavy equipment operator certification and safety awareness certification training, so that workers are really equipped and trained to be proficient in their work. All this is mandatory for workers considering their work is closely related to risks and dangers.

PT GNI affirms that all forms of initiation are in line with the company's vision to make a sustainable contribution, especially to the communities around the operational area and continue to focus on occupational safety and health.

Image source: PT GNI

Source: www.finance.detik.com/Percepat Hilirisasi, Ini Peran Fundamental Industri Smelter