PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring strives for excellence
PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring strives for excellence
BANNERS bearing slogans urging employees to maintain the pursuit of excellence still adorn the walls of PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring's boardroom at its headquarters in Petamburan, Central Jakarta.
A big chunk of the battle in achieving international standards is already won.
A week ago today, PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring was officially granted the ISO 9001. This exacting and comprehensive international certification covers feasibility study, design, evaluation of proposals, contract preparation, design approval for thermal, hydro and diesel power generation, as well as transmission and distribution of power projects.
The company's employees have reason to be satisfied after the successful completion of their 10-month drive. Attaining the ISO 9001 is considered even more demanding in some circles than the ISO 9002 standard because it also covers design.
The award provides confidence for clients with regard to the fulfillment of the standards they demand.
For PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring, the certification was a necessity in preparing for globalization and the booming use of electric products and appliances by Indonesian consumers, according to the company's general manager, Mekar Napitupulu.
Many lending institutions still require the engagement of an accredited foreign engineering consultant for major power projects in Indonesia and other countries.
This presented a stumbling block for PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring in expansion of its projects, even though its corps of engineers was already qualified to handle many electrical engineering assignments.
"In facing globalization, we realized that we had to prepare," says the ebullient Napitupulu, the executive who spearheaded the company's ISO 9001 campaign.
"One way to do this is through gaining an international certification, and that's where the ISO 9001 came in."
So began PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring's implementation and adherence to the certification standards in September of last year. Management leadership and commitment was integral in leading the campaign, as David A. Buck from SGS, the certifying agent for the ISO in Indonesia, pointed out during his speech at PT PLN (Persero) Jasa's presentation ceremony.
Not to be overlooked was the dedication of the project management team.
"No matter how committed top management might be, without the dedication of the project management teams, very little will ever be achieved," Buck said.
"If motivation is not to wither, or progress to slow and the project become moribund, then dedication is a must. The project teams are, therefore, the driving force between the commitment and the work."
Buck urged the company to maintain its excellent standards. Under the ISO QMS regulations, PT PLN (Persero) Jasa will continue to be audited every six months to ensure regulations are still in place and functioning.
"Thus, there is no room for complacency, for 'quality' is one of those properties that has to be cared for each and every day if standards are not to slip," Buck said.
"However, I am certain that by their dedication to achieve this award, the determination of both the management and staff of PT PLN (Persero) Jasa will also be the path to maintaining the very high standards they have set themselves."
Founding
Simple reasons of practicality and cost management were behind PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring's founding in 1985.
It was a deliberate effort to reduce dependability on costly foreign consultants, to show that the most thorough knowledge of Indonesia's electrical needs is to be found within its own borders, and to make the company a center of excellence in Indonesia.
Use of foreign consultants can be exorbitant, Napitupulu says, sending costs spiraling "five to six times that of local consultants". Engineering costs usually run between 6 percent to 9 percent of a total project budget.
The firm's activities began in earnest in 1988, when it sought a foreign company to assist in training and project start-ups.
A shortlist of 10 major international engineering companies was examined thoroughly, and from that, the Bechtel Corporation, headquartered in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was selected, with funding provided through the World Bank.
This relationship, encompassing project cooperation and training at Bechtel's U.S. plants, has proven "very productive", Napitupulu says.
It is also a shining example of the principle of transfer of technology from an established company to a fledgling counterpart.
Originally intended merely as an in-house engineering branch of state electricity company PLN, PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring altered its status to a general service firm last year in line with its increased capabilities.
"We often receive requests for assistance from local engineering consultants," Napitupulu says. "I think they recognize that our knowledge of the Indonesian sector is second to none."
Training
The firm also realizes that an unstinting regard for training and enhancement of skills is essential in keeping one step ahead of the competition.
Maintenance of standards and improving human resources is a "never-ending story", Napitupulu says.
Through its Overseas Fellowship Development Program, PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring has sent dozens of its engineers for training with Bechtel since 1988.
In all, 100 engineers will have been trained by the last program, which begins in September, 1997, and lasts for three months.
Company employees also participate in seminars and workshops throughout the world to polish their skills.
PT PLN (Persero) Jasa Enjiniring enlisted Electricite de France International to conduct a 15-year master-plan study. This will allow the company to anticipate market changes as Indonesia's economy promises to grow markedly into the next millennium.
His grand designs for the future are not limited to local shores.
"Through gaining the ISO 9001, we have shown that we are a competitive firm, that we have the knowledge and skills in our field," he says. "When AFTA takes effect in 2003, I think we will be about ready to bid on other projects overseas, not just those in Indonesia."