Sumbawa Barat, 13 May 2026 – The spirit of sustainable development in Tana Samawa has entered a new chapter. Dozens of youths from West Sumbawa (KSB) and Sumbawa (KS) have been selected as recipients of the 'AMMAN Scholars' scholarship program, carrying high hopes of becoming highly competent technical experts. These representatives of the region's younger generation are ready to be trained as professional heavy equipment mechanics through this strategic scholarship program.
The Basic Class Heavy Equipment Mechanic Scholarship Program is a concrete collaboration between PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), one of Indonesia's largest copper and gold mining companies, United Tractors School (UT School), and the Vocational Training Centers (BLK) of the KSB and KS regional governments. Designed as more than just technical training, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local workforce contribution and employment opportunities within the heavy equipment industry on both national and global scales.
Attracting Talent Through Rigorous Selection
The journey for these dozens of participants began with a highly competitive selection process that screened out thousands of applicants. To reach this stage, candidates underwent a transparent and accountable selection process, including online registration, administrative screening, Academic Potential Tests (TPA), in-depth interviews, and medical check-ups.
Following their orientation and official send-off, they are now prepared to enter a comprehensive skills transformation phase. The send-off ceremony for the AMMAN Scholars heavy equipment program took place in Taliwang and Sumbawa Besar on Friday, 24 April 2026.
Industry-Standard Curriculum
During the one-year program, these local youths will be equipped with a curriculum that integrates mental fortitude with technical expertise:
- Mental and Attitude Development (Bintalsik): Cultivating discipline, integrity, and a strong industrial work ethic.
- In-Class Training: Providing an in-depth theoretical understanding of basic heavy equipment mechanics.
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Offering hands-on technical experience in the field to hone practical proficiency.
- Competency Certification Exam: A final assessment conducted by BNSP - LSPABI to obtain certification under the Preventive Maintenance scheme.
“AMMAN is a strategic partner for the government, particularly in sustainable development programs driven by human resource capacity building. One of AMMAN’s commitments is to support the development of local Vocational Training Centers (BLK) through building renovations and the initiation of the basic heavy equipment mechanic training program, batch 1. Moving forward, this commitment will be continuously enhanced through training programs for other segments of the workforce. Additionally, AMMAN drives economic empowerment for MSMEs in KSB and KS. Other thematic programs also focus on sustainable tourism across both regencies,” said Aji Suryanto, Senior Manager of Social Impact at AMMAN.
Synergy Between Local Leaders and Industry
The Regent of Sumbawa, Ir. H. Syarafuddin MP, welcomed the initiative as a strategic step toward building an exceptional, progressive, and prosperous workforce.
“The basic heavy equipment mechanic training program is a concrete, collaborative effort between the Sumbawa Regency Government, AMMAN, and UT School. This orientation and send-off ceremony mark the starting point for Sumbawa's younger generation to enter a unique working environment—a world that demands skill, discipline, and high resilience. We thank AMMAN and UT School for their efforts in establishing Sumbawa as a hub for human resource development. To the AMMAN Scholars, be pioneers and trailblazers for other youths in Sumbawa. We are building the future through tangible actions. We must continuously prepare ourselves to face global competition,” Syarafuddin stated.
Similar support came from the West Sumbawa Regency Government, which views this collaboration as a long-term investment for the region.
“Those selected are the finest candidates who are capable of undergoing rigorous training for a full year. It requires utmost seriousness and extraordinary passion because the investment made is substantial. Parents must support and motivate their children so they can build successful careers anywhere. This marks the first realization of labor industrialization under the progressive KSB program. Placement pathways are clear. The task force is dedicated to transforming BLK into an institution that produces top-tier talent tailored to labor market demands,” remarked the Regent of West Sumbawa, H. Amar Nurmansyah, S.T., M.Si.
Towards Independence in April 2027
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the United Tractors Karya Bakti Foundation (YKBUT), Endang Tri Handajani, emphasized the vital combination of character and skills. A strong blend of character and top-notch skills will unlock employment opportunities nationally and globally. UT School was established to support the younger generation in seizing opportunities and achieving their aspirations anywhere. She highly commended AMMAN along with the KSB and KS local governments for jointly mentoring the AMMAN Scholars to comfortably harbor big dreams.
The program, which is scheduled to culminate in a graduation ceremony in April 2027, provides full facilities for participants. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, allowances, and access to a Job Connect program. This initiative stands as a tangible step by AMMAN and local governments to ensure that the youth of West Sumbawa and Sumbawa are fully prepared to become key drivers in sustainable industrial development.
