Vocational Training Initiative Boosts Local Workforce Competitiveness: PT Vale, Luwu Timur Government, and Poliwako Unite to Advance Indonesia’s Asta Cita Vision

Sorowako, 16 September 2025 - As part of its commitment to improving quality of life and building a better future, PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (PT Vale) continues to invest in strengthening the capabilities of the local workforce.

Indonesia is currently pursuing an ambitious national development agenda known as Asta Cita, which aims to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. A key pillar of this vision is enhancing workforce competencies to meet the evolving demands of industries, particularly in the context of mineral downstreaming and energy transition.

Despite the surge in employment opportunities driven by industrial expansion, local communities often face challenges in accessing these roles due to gaps in skills and certification. Addressing this issue, PT Vale has partnered with the Luwu Timur Regency Government and Politeknik Sorowako (Poliwako) to launch a collaborative initiative: the Vocational Short-Term Training (VST) program.

This program focuses on three high-demand sectors-Welding, Electrical Work, and Business Administration-and is designed to equip participants with practical skills and industry-recognized certifications.

"This initiative reflects Vale's commitment to supporting the development of a skilled workforce aligned with the downstreaming project in Sorowako Limonite Ore," said Suharpiyu, Head of Sorowako Limonite Ore at PT Vale. "We believe that relevant skills are key to enabling local communities to play a strategic role in regional industrial and economic development."

The program has enrolled 87 participants, including 57 individuals from PT Vale's empowerment areas and 30 from the Luwu Timur Government. Over the next two to three months, participants will undergo intensive training, earning both training certificates and competency certifications to enhance their employability.

Hariyadi Hamid, S.TP, Head of Workforce Empowerment at the Luwu Timur Manpower Office, emphasized the program's alignment with the local government's top priority: strengthening human resource competitiveness. "We hope participants make the most of this opportunity, as competency-based training is essential for Luwu Timur to progress and prosper," he stated.

Poliwako Director Harjuma added, "Participants will not only gain technical skills but also receive two official certificates that will support their job applications. This is a concrete step toward producing industry-ready graduates."

For Muhammad Nur Adnan, a participant from Balambano Village, the program represents a gateway to a brighter future. "I'm optimistic that electrical skills will be in high demand going forward. I hope this training helps me compete in the job market, and that similar programs continue to open doors for young people like me," he shared.