Strong Women, Growing Projects: Today's Kartini in Balikpapan RDMP Project

Thursday, 24 April 2025

The spirit of women's emancipation inherited by R.A. Kartini continues to grow in various forms, one of which is through the real contribution of great women in the national strategic project environment. PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan (KPB), as the implementer of the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) Project, emphasizes that the success of the project cannot be separated from the role of strong and visionary women.

One of them is Mayapati Husni, Vice President of Project Control & Quality Assurance (PCQA) of PT KPB. She emphasized that the presence of women is not just a symbol, but the main actor who instills the value of safety and sustainability in the project work culture.

“In every history of the nation, women have carved an important role that is irreplaceable. Today, the figure of Kartini is incarnated in the tough women we call officers,” said Mayapati.

Under her coordination, a number of prestigious awards have been achieved, such as the Most Valuable PIC (MVP) Risk Management by the Director of Risk Management of PT KPI, as well as the Platinum Award in the Continues Improvement Program in 2024.

“Women's leadership is not just a matter of achievement, but a tangible proof of integrity, courage, and vision brought to the future,” she added.

Women's contribution is also reflected in the Communication & Stakeholder Relations function. Siti Fauzia, Pjs. Manager of Communication & Stakeholder Relations of PT KPB, revealed that since joining in November 2023, she has faced challenges in building and optimizing effective communication resources for a project as large as Balikpapan RDMP.

“The toughest challenge is managing the complexity of labor, tools, and project time targets. The solution is expressed in a comprehensive business strategy, both short and long term, while still prioritizing HSSE aspects as the main culture,” she said.

Fauzia said that communication strategy plays an important role in strengthening the company's reputation and ensuring smooth operations. “We are grateful that many excellent programs have been widely recognized, including through awards won by the company,” she said.

Observing Kartini Day, Fauzia added that thanks to Kartini's thoughts, women can be equal to men in various fields. In SOEs, especially Pertamina, many strategic positions are now filled by women. “It is not easy to create a work environment that supports us as women to grow and lead without fear of being labeled stereotypes,” she added.

She also advised young women who want to work in the energy industry to remain enthusiastic in working for the nation. “Be an inspiring person through positive activities and achievements, without forgetting our basic nature as gentle and loving women,” she concluded.

Currently, the number of female workers in PT KPB reaches 12.8% of the total 1,512 people. This percentage reflects the active participation of women in various technical and non-technical roles in a project environment dominated by male workers.

PT KPB VP Legal & Relations, Asep Sulaeman, stated that the company actively encourages an inclusive work culture through various initiatives. One of them is Woman Positive Safety Intervention (WPSI), a safety campaign based on empowering women's positive energy. “The presence of female workers brings a more empathetic and persuasive approach in building a safety culture,” Asep said.

According to him, Kartini Day is a reflection that this project grew because of the contribution of all parties, regardless of gender. “We believe that strong women are part of the main driving force that keeps the project growing. Their spirit strengthens the spirit of all of us to complete this strategic project safely for the country's energy security and independence,” he concluded.