Indahyani Pioneering Change as a Female Palm Oil Worker
In a traditionally male-dominated industry, Indahyani is breaking barriers and challenging gender norms as a young, determined woman working in the palm oil sector. She firmly believes that everyone, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities, and she has dedicated herself to proving that women can succeed in roles typically held by men.
At just 24 years old, Indahyani embarked on her career at PT Sukses Tani Nusasubur (STN), a subsidiary of PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI), one of Indonesia’s leading palm oil companies. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the gradual transformation of gender roles in the industry.
A Passion for Agriculture
Indahyani hails from Tirta Mulia Village in Bungo Regency, Jambi Province, where agriculture is a crucial part of the local economy. Recognizing the significant role of palm oil in Indonesia’s economic landscape, she pursued studies at the Stiper Plantation Community Academy in Yogyakarta (AKPY-STIPER), majoring in Oil Palm Nursery.
Her passion for the subject stems from her awareness of the potential of oil palm plantations, both in terms of business opportunities and their contribution to the nation’s development. ‘I wanted to learn and understand how to apply proper oil palm nursery techniques according to industry standards so that productivity remains high, and the results are of excellent quality,’ Indahyani explained.
Her education provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the oil palm growth process, from seedling development to the production phase. This knowledge deepened her interest in the sector and reinforced her desire to pursue a career in palm oil cultivation.
Seizing Opportunities and Overcoming Barriers
Determined to enter the field, Indahyani participated in the recruitment process conducted by Astra Agro at AKPY-STIPER. The process involved rigorous tests and interviews designed to select the most competent candidates. Her perseverance paid off when she was accepted for an internship at Astra Agro and assigned to PT STN in East Kalimantan.
During her six-month internship, she demonstrated a high level of dedication, skill, and adaptability, which impressed her supervisors. As a result, she was offered a permanent position at PT STN, where she now serves as a Rawat Foreman.
Her role as a Nursery Foreman comes with substantial responsibilities. She oversees various tasks related to oil palm growth and maintenance, ensuring that the plantation meets productivity and quality standards. However, stepping into a leadership role in a male-dominated sector was not without its challenges.
Facing Gender Bias in the Workplace
For many years, the role of a foreman in palm oil plantations was considered unsuitable for women due to the physical demands of the job. Despite these stereotypes, Indahyani remains steadfast in her belief that women have the right to choose their careers and succeed in any field they pursue.
‘Everyone deserves the same opportunities, both men and women. Here, I am proving that I can be a female foreman, even in a role predominantly held by men,’ she asserted.
Indahyani acknowledges the challenges she faces, but she refuses to let societal expectations limit her aspirations. She emphasizes that hard work, curiosity, and continuous learning are key factors in achieving equal career opportunities.
A Supportive Work Environment
One of the misconceptions about the palm oil industry is that it is not gender-inclusive. However, Indahyani’s experience at PT STN tells a different story. She highlights that the company has been supportive, providing equal opportunities for both male and female employees.
‘Here, everyone is treated professionally. Women can still contribute according to their capacity, and I always strive to maximize my potential,’ she stated.
Despite the physical challenges that come with the job, Indahyani has found ways to adapt and excel. She believes that dedication and competence matter more than gender, and she encourages other women to pursue careers in the industry without fear of discrimination.
Balancing Career and Future Aspirations
Indahyani is aware that as she progresses in life, new challenges will arise, particularly when it comes to balancing her career with personal milestones such as marriage and motherhood. However, she remains optimistic and confident that she can continue to contribute to the industry while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to other young women who aspire to break into industries that have traditionally been male-dominated. She hopes that her story will encourage more women to consider careers in agriculture and palm oil, fields that offer significant opportunities for growth and development.
Recognition and Support from Management
Indahyani’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. PT Sukses Tani Nusasubur (STN) Administrator, Victor Aybund, is particularly proud of her achievements. He acknowledges the difficulties of working far from family, especially for a young woman, but he also emphasizes that gender should never be a barrier to professional success.
‘As a competent professional, regardless of gender, Indah is an inspiration and role model for other women who wish to build careers in this field. I recognize her ability and dedication in carrying out her duties,’ Victor remarked.
Gender equality has been a long-standing principle at Astra Agro, and the company has consistently implemented policies that promote inclusivity in the workplace. These efforts have created an environment where women like Indahyani can thrive and advance in their careers.
A Vision for the Future
Indahyani’s ultimate goal is to inspire and empower more women to join the palm oil industry. She believes that companies should continue fostering work environments that are safe, comfortable, and supportive for women and children.
Her vision extends beyond her own career; she hopes that her story will spark a broader movement toward gender equality in agriculture. She encourages young women to be fearless in pursuing their dreams, to embrace opportunities for growth, and to challenge societal norms that seek to limit their potential.
‘I hope my presence in the palm oil industry can inspire and motivate young people, especially women, to build their careers in this field. I also want companies to continuously strive to create safe, comfortable, and women-friendly workplaces,’ she concluded.
