Activities in the mining industry carry a high level of safety risk. Therefore, occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations are of great importance. To support mining operations that are safe, secure, and healthy with minimal risk, operational supervision must be carried out in accordance with statutory provisions. In addition, it is important to ensure that the human resources involved in supervision have competencies that match their responsibilities.
The appointment or designation of Operational Supervisors is regulated under Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Regulation No. 26 of 2018, as well as Ministerial Decree (Kepmen) ESDM No. 1827 of 2018. Operational Supervisors, or Operationally Responsible Officers (PJO) for service companies working in licensed areas, are appointed and officially accountable to the Mine Technical Head (KTT). All duties are carried out based on the principles of good mining practices.
According to Kepmen ESDM No. 1827 of 2018, mining Operational Supervisors are divided into three levels: Pengawas Operasional Pertama (POP), Pengawas Operasional Madya (POM), and Pengawas Operasional Utama (POU). This division is intended to ensure clear levels of responsibility and authority in supervising mining activities. The higher the level, the greater the competence and responsibility required.
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POP, or First-Level Operational Supervisor, is the entry level in mining operational supervision. At this stage, supervisors are responsible for directly overseeing daily operational activities in the field. POP ensures that all work is carried out in accordance with operational procedures, safety standards, and established targets. In addition, POP provides guidance to workers, reports operational performance to superiors, and handles issues that arise in the work area.
POM, or Intermediate Operational Supervisor, is the middle level in the supervisory structure. POM is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the performance of POPs, and ensuring that operational activities are carried out in line with company policies and work plans. POM also prepares operational reports, identifies potential problems, and provides recommendations for improvement to the Senior Operational Supervisor (POU).
POU, or Senior Operational Supervisor, is the highest level in mining operational supervision. POU is responsible for managing and supervising all operational activities within a work unit or mining area. Their duties include formulating operational policies, supervising the performance of all supervisory staff, managing resources, and coordinating with the company’s top management.
To advance from POP to POM, and from POM to POU, an operational supervisor is required to have at least one year of work experience in the previous position. In addition, supervisors must undergo advanced training and pass certification exams in accordance with applicable regulations. These requirements are intended to ensure that each operational supervisor has sufficient competence and experience to carry out their duties.
Muhammad Evin Armedco, Manager of STM’s Health, Safety, and Risk (HSR) Department, stated that the process of becoming an operational supervisor or PJO at STM is very strict. There is an examination process led directly by the KTT or their representative, together with the HSR team. Examiners first ensure the skills and abilities of participants before appointment. “PJOs officially appointed by the KTT will be re-evaluated regularly every year to ensure consistent performance in carrying out their duties at the Hu’u Project,” he said.
Competent and tiered operational supervisors and PJOs are expected to make activities in STM’s work areas safer, more secure, and more productive. However, Evin reminded that everyone in the workplace essentially has responsibility for implementing the Mining Safety Management System (SMKP). “Every individual has the same right to work safely and to return home to the family waiting there. Therefore, safety is everybody’s business,” he emphasized.
