Photo: A female worker smears glue on a sheet of wood
PANGKALAN BUN – Amid a male-dominated industry, plywood manufacturer Korindo Ariabima Sari (KABS) stands out with its commitment to creating female-inclusive workplaces that empower and treat women workers equally.
Its site in Pangkalan Bun employs hundreds, with a sizable female workforce spread across teams and divisions. These women take on a wide range of roles, from desk-bound administrative to on-site technical where attention to detail and specialized knowledge are crucial.
By providing a supportive environment, KABS cultivates a space where they can work, learn, and grow. It’s definitely felt by decade-long staff member Ike Desi Sari Kusuma, whose career has flourished and allowed her to handle administrative duties for the Production 2 Division. Her position was something that took a long time to earn, a process full of lessons and challenges.
“I started by doing small tasks at the factory, then admin work. These roles taught me so many things, and I also went from team to team until [the company finally] trusted me with back-office stuff. It’s a long journey, but I’m grateful to be growing here,” said Ike, who joined in 2011.
One thing about KABS that she’s most proud of is the opportunities afforded to women like her, who are free to pursue any career they choose, whether clerical or technical. The company’s support and openness for progress make her feel valued and acknowledged for her skills.
Photo: As with decade-long staff member Ike Desi Sari Kusuma, KABS’s support and openness for progress have instilled a sense of worth within its employees and made them feel acknowledged
And Ike gets to enjoy her rights, like her male counterparts. “Maternity leave is granted [to us] according to local regulations, [but] with consideration to individual needs and conditions.”
Like so, KABS has demonstrated success as something more than achieving production targets or sales numbers — rather, it’s about the people with whom the company grows. To workers like Ike, KABS has become a place for empowerment, recognition, and self-development. (PR)
