Jakarta (ANTARA) - Development of the nickel smelter industry was able to create new job opportunities to absorb workforce every year, according to Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah.

"This is because nickel is an economic commodity that is needed in the world of industry, automotive, energy, and others," the minister noted in a statement received here Thursday.

During her visit to the PT Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry (VDNI) and PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (OSS) Industrial Areas in Konawe District, Southeast Sulawesi on Wednesday, Fauziyah remarked that these two companies, as the largest smelter firms in Sulawesi, are expected to synergize to promote national development through the creation of decent jobs based on Work Safety and Health (K3).

"The visit to smelter industries, such as PT VDNI and PT OSS, is a form of the government's concern for the importance of investment to create more job opportunities and economic growth," she remarked.

According to Fauziyah, the government realized the need to improve the governance of the smelter industry. To this end, the government's presence is expected to positively contribute to economic growth and expand employment opportunities.

In addition, the dissemination of information on the role of K3 to the community is deemed necessary by using OSH as a lifestyle, she remarked.

"With the implementation of K3, the quality and performance of individuals and industries will increase," she remarked.

The minister also invited all parties to participate in maintaining harmonious industrial relations.

"Through the involvement of all stakeholders, they will be aware of their roles and responsibilities. Thus, partnerships and cooperation to achieve common goals can be realized," she affirmed.

Meanwhile, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Ali Mazi welcomed Minister Fauziyah's visit to boost employment development in Kendari and Konawe.

"We laud Minister Fauziyah's visit to Southeast Sulawesi as a step in the development of the employment sector to improve the people's welfare," he remarked.

During this visit, Minister Fauziyah was accompanied by Governor Mazi to inaugurate the PT VDNI and PT OSS training centers.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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