In the challenging and dynamic world of work, there are individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication and loyalty towards their jobs. They not only significantly contribute to their companies but also serve as a source of inspiration to their colleagues.
One such inspiring individual is Agung Purwoko Yulianto, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE Asst section Head) at PT Manunggal Perkasa. He began his career at the company on May 19, 1997, as an ordinary staff member, armed only with a high school diploma from a Vocational High School (STM). However, through perseverance, hard work, and the company’s support, he was able to continue his education to obtain a bachelor’s degree and is now entrusted with leading this crucial division.
Calculating his tenure, Agung has dedicated 27 years of his life to this flour milling plant. Looking back at his career journey, he worked as a milling staff member for over 12 years, from 1997 to 2010. In 2011, he was appointed as a store keeper responsible for managing inventory within the same division. In this role, he ensured the availability of spare parts necessary for production activities and prevented excessive stockpiling. He served in this position for approximately seven years.
In 2019, Agung was transferred to the HSE section, a newly established division at the time. This transfer marked a significant transition in his career, moving from production to HSE, which deals with various aspects related to health, safety, and environmental protection in the workplace.
Agung admits to feeling both sadness and happiness when entrusted with this new responsibility. He was saddened to leave behind colleagues with whom he had worked for over 20 years in production. However, he also felt joy and a sense of challenge in starting a new role, especially one that required deep knowledge of production. Moreover, he received full support from his colleagues who believed HSE was a better fit for him, a belief that proved to be true.
In the HSE Asst section Head , Agung initially worked as a staff member for a year. Due to his impressive performance, he was promoted to HSE sub-section head in 2020. The pinnacle of his career came in 2022 when he was appointed as HSE Asst section Head, a position he continues to hold today.
Despite his illustrious career achievements, Agung acknowledges facing initial difficulties and feeling left behind because formal competencies required an undergraduate degree, while he was a vocational school graduate. However, a significant opportunity arose when his supervisor in the production department supported his pursuit of further education.
He seized this golden opportunity. In 2011, he began pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. His determination and hard work enabled him to complete his studies in a short time. Finally, in 2014, he obtained his bachelor’s degree, which opened doors for him to pursue various competencies and new career opportunities.
The knowledge and skills he gained from formal education, combined with years of experience at PT Manunggal Perkasa, made him a valuable asset to the company.
As HSE Asst section Head, one of his main tasks is to identify workplace hazards at PT Manunggal Perkasa, formulate accident prevention programs, and ensure that employees comply with Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations.
Proudly, this inspirational individual successfully maintained PT Manunggal Perkasa free from fatal workplace accidents during his tenure, even managing minor incidents effectively. Additionally, he played a significant role in PT Manunggal Perkasa achieving the Blue PROPER rating, indicating compliance with environmental management regulations set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. This achievement was a significant leap, considering the company previously held a black label.
His contributions extended further during the Covid-19 pandemic at the end of 2019. As PT Manunggal Perkasa is a food-based company, lockdown measures couldn’t be implemented due to the critical need to maintain food supply chains. In this challenging situation, Agung and his HSE team swiftly took strategic steps to protect employees from virus exposure. Thanks to their care, PT Manunggal Perkasa successfully navigated the pandemic.
Despite all his workplace achievements, Agung never rests on his laurels. He continues to strive to improve HSE standards at PT Manunggal Perkasa. A source of gratitude for him is the full support he receives from management in implementing HSE regulations, a key factor contributing to his success in implementing various HSE programs.
When asked about the biggest challenge in his job, he cites ensuring employee safety in the workplace. This is because workplace accidents or fatal incidents not only harm employees but also have legal repercussions for the company and himself. “If there’s a fatality, I’m the one dealing with the legal consequences,” he says.
Moreover, Agung acknowledges that many employees initially underestimate workplace safety. However, he successfully addresses this issue. One method he employs is personal approach to raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety. Additionally, he understands that implementing HSE regulations cannot be done all at once but rather in a gradual manner.
Overall, Agung Purwoko Yulianto expresses great satisfaction in his work. His passion drives him to continue working at PT Manunggal Perkasa for 27 years. Furthermore, the proximity of his workplace to his home and the company’s excellent employee welfare and competitive salary offerings contribute to his loyalty.
Another reason for his steadfastness with PT Manunggal Perkasa is age-related, as moving to a new location is not feasible for him. Furthermore, his work ethic is further fueled by being entrusted to lead a new division in a fresh environment.
Agung hopes to continue giving his best to PT Manunggal Perkasa. One of his dreams is to see the company achieve ISO 45001 certification and succeed in the SMK3 audit conducted by the government before his retirement. He also wishes for PT Manunggal Perkasa’s continued prosperity and blessings for all its employees.
Learning from the inspiring story of Agung Purwoko Yulianto, we can see how dedication, loyalty, hard work, and a willingness to develop oneself can bring significant change in an organization and in someone’s personal life. For those aspiring to develop a career in HSE, Agung advises that patience in facing challenges, enthusiasm, consistency in tasks and responsibilities, and adherence to existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) are crucial.
(sy/csb)