First Heavy Equipment Training Class Opens, 10 Participants from Central Papua Attend Excavator and Backhoe Loader Sessions

Central Papua — A total of 10 selected participants from various regions in Central Papua Province have officially joined the first class of the heavy equipment operator training facilitated by the provincial government. This training is part of a Human Resource Development (HRD) program aimed at enhancing the job skills of Indigenous Papuans in the construction and mining sectors.

The inaugural class took place on Monday (July 28), led directly by Senior Instructor Nabot Wandadaya, who delivered material on the introduction and basic operation of heavy equipment, specifically the Excavator and Backhoe Loader.

Following the theory session, participants immediately began their first day of field practice with a hands-on introduction to the equipment. Under the guidance of the instructor, they were taught how to perform initial machine checks before operation—including inspections of engine oil, hydraulics, bucket condition, and the control system inside the cabin.

“Operating heavy equipment isn’t just about moving the machine. We need to understand how the engine works, how to maintain it, and identify key components before starting,” said Wandadaya in front of the participants.

The first day’s material covered an introduction to the main components of excavators and backhoe loaders, including the hydraulic system, main engine, control systems, and workplace safety procedures. Participants appeared enthusiastic as they were given the opportunity to conduct direct visual inspections of the heavy equipment units used during the training.

“This is a new experience for me. I used to only see excavators at construction sites, but now I get to operate one and learn how it works. Thank you to the Central Papua government and the instructors,” said Yafet Tebay, one of the participants from Paniai Regency.

The training is designed to run over the coming weeks, combining classroom theory with hands-on field practice. Upon completion, participants who successfully finish the program will receive an official competency certificate, which can be used to apply for jobs in the industrial sector or to start their own business independently.

The Central Papua Provincial Government hopes this program will serve as a concrete step in bridging local potential with the demand for skilled labor across various development sectors in Papua. (STC)