Bridging Industry and Education: Mining Sector Strengthens Modern Workforce Competencies

Efforts to strengthen the quality and competence of human resources in the mining industry sector continue to be accelerated through strategic collaboration with higher education.

Following a cooperation agreement signed with Universitas Sembilanbelas November (USN) Kolaka in April 2026, PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama facilitated the signing of an Academic Software Licence Agreement between Micromine Australia Pty Ltd and USN Kolaka, held on Tuesday (15 July) at the USN Kolaka Auditorium.

The event was attended by officials of the Kolaka Regency Government, the legislature, university leadership, teaching staff, representatives of Micromine Australia Pty Ltd, and various other stakeholders. Also present were the Chairman of the Kolaka Regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), I Ketut Arjana, and the Chairman of Commission III of the Kolaka DPRD, Israfil Sanusi Caco, as a form of support for strengthening collaboration between the worlds of education, industry, and government in developing human resources for the mining sector in Kolaka Regency.

This cooperation forms part of efforts to strengthen synergy between industry, higher education, and government in improving the quality of tertiary education whilst preparing mining human resources with competencies aligned with technological developments and the needs of modern industry.

Through this cooperation, USN Kolaka has obtained ten academic licences for Micromine software, one of the mining packages widely used by global mining companies. The software supports various stages of mining activity, from exploration and geological modelling to resource estimation, mine planning, and production operations.

The provision of the academic licences was supported by Ceria with a contribution valued at approximately Rp10 billion. Access to this technology is expected to improve the quality of teaching, strengthen research activities, and provide students with practical experience using software applied directly in the mining industry.

For USN Kolaka, this cooperation represents a strategic step in strengthening the transformation of higher education based on science and technology. As a state university that continues to grow in Southeast Sulawesi, USN Kolaka is committed to improving the quality of education, research, and learning so that it aligns more closely with the needs of industry.

The signing ceremony was attended by officials of the Kolaka Regency Government, the leadership of USN Kolaka, teaching staff, representatives of Micromine Australia Pty Ltd, and the management team of PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama.

Representing PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama were Chief Executive Officer Abdul Haris Tatang, Operations Director Yusram Rantesalu, Corporate Affairs Director Djen Rizal, Human Capital & Employee Service Director Asep Susilo, Corporate HSE, Sustainability & Management System Director Krishna Ismaputra, together with other members of Ceria’s management.

The Expert Staff to the Regent of Kolaka for Economic, Financial, and Development Affairs, Dr. H. Muh. Azikin, said that the collaboration between Ceria, USN Kolaka, and Micromine Australia is a strategic step in preparing a young generation capable of making a real contribution to regional development.

“Our children who are currently studying and learning here will ultimately return to their communities. With the knowledge and experience they gain, we certainly hope they can bring greater benefit to society,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rector of USN Kolaka, Nur Ihsan, expressed appreciation for the support and collaboration continuously built with PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama.

According to him, rising investment in the mining sector in Southeast Sulawesi has increased industry demand for graduates with technological competencies.

Mining engineering students, he said, are not only required to understand the disciplines of geology and mining, but must also possess geospatial data analysis skills, mastery of industry software, leadership abilities, and the capacity to work in teams.

“The contribution given by PT Ceria to USN Kolaka, as the university the people of Kolaka take pride in, is something we greatly appreciate. This support is an important part of improving the quality of teaching on campus,” he said.

Prof. Nur Ihsan added that USN Kolaka is also continuously developing internship programmes and case study-based research with mining companies so that students’ theoretical understanding can progress in step with global industry operating standards.

Through this Academic Software Licence Agreement, USN Kolaka may legally use the Micromine Origin & Beyond software for educational, training, and research purposes in the fields of geology and mining exploration.

Fransiskus Nugroho, representative of Micromine Australia Pty Ltd, said the future of Indonesia’s mining industry will be heavily influenced by three main pillars: the use of real-time integrated data, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, and a commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices.

According to him, mining software is no longer merely a supporting tool, but has become the centre of operations management connecting the entire process, from exploration through to production.

“Mining software is now no longer just a supporting tool, but the operational brain connecting the entire process, from exploration to production,” he said.

He explained that the use of Micromine technology can also significantly improve work efficiency. In the mine planning process, the software can help cut work previously requiring around two weeks down to just two days.

With such efficiency, geological experts can focus more on the analysis and interpretation of data, which is an important part of decision-making in the mining industry.

Abdul Haris Tatang, Chief Executive Officer of PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama, said the collaboration is a tangible form of the company’s contribution to improving the quality of education and developing mining human resources in Kolaka Regency.

According to him, as a company operating in the region, Ceria has a responsibility to build partnerships that deliver sustainable benefits to the community, including through education, research, training, and the development of young people’s competencies.

“This collaboration is an important bridge between the world of education and industry. We hope this cooperation can contribute to the development and improvement of the quality of USN Kolaka alumni, particularly in mastering modern mining technology,” he said.

Beyond the facilitation of the Micromine academic licences, Ceria and USN Kolaka have also established cooperation in various fields, including research, internship programmes, training, and community service.

The collaboration is expected to serve as a model of synergy between industry, higher education, and government in preparing Indonesian mining human resources who are excellent, adaptive to technological developments, and capable of competing globally.

Through this cooperation, Ceria affirms its commitment to continue supporting the development of a higher education ecosystem relevant to industry needs, whilst contributing to strengthening the future of Indonesia’s mineral industry through competent and competitive young talent.