Yogyakarta - On Thursday, August 1, 2019, PT Hutama Karya Infrastruktur (HKI) achieved victory in the CAT Global Operator Challenge 2019. This international competition was held for the first time in Indonesia and was organized by PT Trakindo Utama. A total of 25 heavy equipment operators participated, including HKI’s operator from the Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) Pekanbaru-Dumai Section 3 project, Edi Darmawana, who secured 3rd place.

In the CAT Global Operator Challenge 2019, each participant was tested on their ability to operate backhoes and loaders. In addition to the preliminary round in Yogyakarta, there were additional rounds in Palembang, after previous rounds were held in Banjarmasin and Makassar.

This competition serves as a special appreciation for the profession of heavy equipment operators, recognizing their important role in operating equipment, especially as infrastructure development accelerates. The competition not only tests the operators’ skills but also aims to improve the quality of heavy equipment operators, which will positively impact productivity.

To participate in this competition, contestants must master at least four different types of heavy equipment, have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience operating heavy machinery, and hold a valid Operating Permit (SIO/SIMPER/KIMPER).

The competition featured three challenges for the participants: lifting and placing pipes accurately, retrieving balls from atop cones and placing them into drums, and operating a loader through an obstacle course. In addition to speed and concentration, safety was a key factor in the evaluation, ensuring that operators could complete tasks quickly and accurately while maintaining workplace safety.

Edi Darmawana, HKI Operator from Palembang, Successfully Takes 3rd Place

who secured 3rd place, shared his experience in the competition, “Although I was nervous since it was my first time participating in such a competition, the heavy equipment we used was similar to what we use every day in our work, so I was quite familiar with it. However, the equipment in the competition was much more advanced, so I had to adjust as an operator,” he said with a cheerful attitude.

Edi also expressed gratitude for securing a top-three position in this prestigious event. This achievement was a source of personal pride as it brought recognition to the company and motivated him to continue improving his skills in operating various heavy equipment.

In a separate interview, Aji Prasetyanti, President Director of HKI, expressed appreciation and pride in Edi’s accomplishment. “This is truly a great achievement. From now on, I encourage all HKI employees to continue developing their skills so they can be as competent and successful as Edi Darmawana,” she said. To honor his achievement, Edi received a special award from HKI. “Anyone who brings honor to HKI with their achievements will receive a special bonus to motivate them to continue contributing to HKI and the nation. This also serves as an example for others to strive for excellence,” Aji concluded.