It all began with Noviska’s passionate desire to understand the world of oil palm after graduating high school. In 2023, she embarked on a journey of higher education at a vocational college specializing in oil palm plantations in Yogyakarta. Enrolling in the Diploma I level Oil Palm Plant Nursery study program at the Yogyakarta Plantation Community Academy (AKPY ‘STIPER’), she took her first step toward her dreams.
Now, at just 19 years old, Noviska Miranti has established herself as a Foreman Rawat Chemist at PT Sumber Kharisma Persada (SKP), a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari. Amidst the vast expanse of oil palm plantations, she shows that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s aspirations.
In her role, Noviska shoulders significant responsibilities. She oversees and coordinates the care of oil palm plants, ensuring their optimal growth. From supervising herbicide spraying to maintaining fertilization standards, she executes her duties with unwavering diligence.
Leading a small team of three other women, Noviska guarantees that every task is performed safely, effectively, and in alignment with company policies. Her commitment to the safety of her team is evident, as she mandates health checks before work begins. Her priority is crystal clear: if anyone is unwell, they receive the necessary medical treatment before returning to their duties.
“The safety and health of our team is our top priority. No job is more important than the health of the workers,” Noviska passionately stated.
Her journey into the palm oil industry began during her university experience through valuable internships and on-the-job training in collaboration with reputable companies, including Astra Agro Lestari. Yet, her path was not without its challenges.
“When I first joined the recruitment process, my name wasn’t on the list of successful participants. However, I seized a second chance through additional recruitment and secured a three-month internship at Astra Agro,” Noviska shared in an inspiring statement to Sawitindonesia.com.
“Upon completing the internship program and on-the-job training, I was offered the choice to work or return home. Without hesitation, I chose to pursue a career in the palm oil industry,” she reflected upon her roots in Musi Rawas, South Sumatra.
As a foreman chemist today, Noviska remains committed to her personal and professional growth. She eagerly learns about various types of herbicides and their functions while honing her communication and leadership skills. For her, this job transcends routine; it embodies a journey to prove that women can make a significant impact in the plantation industry.
A Journey Across Gender Boundaries
The palm oil industry is often viewed as male-dominated, yet for Noviska, ability and opportunity know no gender limits.
“Anyone can thrive in this industry as long as they possess a strong mentality, a positive attitude, and consistency in their work. Women play a crucial role, especially in seedling maintenance, herbicide spraying, and fertilization, where precision is essential,” Noviska said with pride.
In facing challenges within a male-dominated workplace, Noviska remains fearless. She firmly believes that women can be exceptional leaders in this sector.
As a female foreman, she navigates various physical, mental, and cultural challenges. “However, given the same opportunities, women can showcase their capabilities in leadership and plantation management,” she affirmed.
Physical obstacles are part of the job, particularly when dealing with rough terrains and severe weather. Yet, she is determined to overcome these challenges, even after marriage and motherhood. “I aspire to continue working in the palm oil industry for financial stability, career growth, and to be a role model for my children in the future,” Noviska expressed with unwavering confidence.
Regarding women’s career opportunities at Astra Agro Lestari, Ricky Oktavianus, Administrator of PT SKP (Astra Agro Group), emphasized that although the oil palm plantation industry is often linked to physical labor idealized for men, this does not suggest that women cannot excel and lead. Women possess immense potential and skills to contribute meaningfully in this field.
“As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, Astra Agro is dedicated to empowering women and providing them with opportunities to take on leadership roles,” Ricky added.
Astra Agro stands firm on the principles of human rights and gender equality, with a strong focus on protecting women and children.
Disclaimer
This article may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been pre-authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available for the purpose of giving information and knowledge. The material contained on the Astra Agro website distributed without profit. If you are interested in using copyrighted material from this material for any reason that goes beyond ‘fair use’, you must first obtain permission from the original source
