PANGKALPINANG -- Behind every company achievement—rising production figures, continuous innovation, and contributions to the nation—there is always one irreplaceable element: the people within it.
They are the workers, whose dedication and hard work serve as the heartbeat of the organization. Labor Day serves as an important reminder that the relationship between a company and its workers is not merely a formal one, but a partnership that strengthens both sides.
In the modern era, companies are no longer entities focused solely on profit. There is a growing awareness that business sustainability depends greatly on the well-being and engagement of employees. From this perspective emerges a healthy industrial relationship, built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect.
PT TIMAH’s Director of Human Resources, Ratih Mayasari, stated that today’s employees play a strategic role as value creators for the company. In the mining industry, which is full of risks and uncertainties, employee contributions are considered irreplaceable by technology or assets.
“Employees used to be referred to as assets. But today, they are more than that—they are the primary creators of value. Technology and assets can be purchased, but commitment, integrity, and the courage to work in high-risk mining environments belong only to people—our employees. Therefore, employees are not just resources, but the determinants of a company’s value,” she said.
Ratih added that amid business dynamics, employee welfare must be viewed comprehensively—not only in financial terms, but also encompassing social aspects, workplace safety, and opportunities for personal development.
“Welfare is not merely about short-term material benefits, but about enabling employees to grow, enhance their capabilities, and achieve a better quality of life—economically, socially, and with dignity,” she explained.
She also emphasized that the relationship between management and employees should no longer be seen as two separate entities. According to her, both the company’s successes and challenges are shared responsibilities that must be faced collectively. This is essential to creating a healthy and productive industrial relationship.
“There should be no dichotomy. The company’s challenges are shared challenges, and so are its successes. This is where building trust through real and sustainable actions becomes crucial,” she added.
“On this May Day, I hope all employees and management of PT TIMAH celebrate it as a day of togetherness. Management is also part of the workforce, so Labor Day should be a starting point to unite, face challenges, and work together to fulfill the expectations of our shareholder, the Republic of Indonesia,” she continued.
Chairman of the Timah Employees Association (IKT), Riki Febriansyah, stated that workers are the company’s main strength as well as strategic partners.
He emphasized the importance of solidarity between workers and management in creating harmonious industrial relations, improving employee welfare, and ensuring the company’s sustainability.
“There is no company without workers, and no workers without a company. Both must move forward together,” he said.
According to him, the relationship between labor unions and management at PT TIMAH is currently showing a positive and increasingly harmonious trend. Communication has been key in resolving various dynamics that arise in the field.
The IKT also encourages the optimization of the Bipartite Cooperation Institution (LKS Bipartit) as a forum for regular communication between management and workers. This forum serves not only as a channel for conveying aspirations but also as a platform to support improvements in corporate governance.
Similarly, Chairman of the Timah Employees Union (PKT), Ahmad Tarmizi, noted that this harmonious relationship is an important foundation for maintaining a balance between the company’s interests and employee welfare.
“Employee welfare cannot be separated from company performance. Therefore, we also support the achievement of company targets so that the benefits can be shared together,” he said.
“Both management and labor unions agree that this harmony must continue to be maintained through trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to improving employee welfare,” he concluded.
