PT. Putra Perkasa Abadi (PT. PPA) has became the first company in Indonesia to incorporate Immersive Technologies’ PRO5 Advanced Equipment Simulator technology, with the first two of four units commissioned in the PPA office at the PT Multi Harapan Utama mine site.

Launched at MINExpo 2021, the PRO5 Advanced Equipment Simulator set a new benchmark in realism, reliability and training value for operator training technology, according to Immersive.

A commissioning celebration and handover was carried out by Edwin Trisnohadi, Regional Vice President Immersive Technologies Asia & Indonesia region, and Director of PT. PPA, R. Teguh Sapto Subroto. Also present at the event were Sunaryo, Head of PPA Academy, and Teddy Ramdani, Customer Support Manager of PT. United Tractors, Tbk.

Equipped with a professional-grade visual system, the PRO5 is the first mining simulator to combine stereoscopic 3D, a one-piece curved display, photo-realistic graphics and RealView™ head tracking technology, according to Immersive. It delivers realism at a level not previously seen by the mining industry, according to the company, with these advancements helping new and experienced mining equipment operators develop competencies at a rapid pace, while maintaining high levels of learning retention.

Previously, in order to improve the competence of newly graduated workers, PPA’s only option was on-iron training. This takes extra time and also has safety risks. Now, these novice “green” workers can develop psychomotor skills and learn critical behaviors in a safe, simulated environment, while also reducing fuel consumption, according to the company.

PPA is a mining contractor, which, in recent years, has recorded significant growth to become the third largest contractor in the Indonesian mining industry.

The speed of growth requires an investment in the workforce and training tools to become more effective and efficient and to prepare personnel to become mine-ready. This year, PPA is targeting an additional 100 million bank cubic metres (BCM) above last year’s 267 million BCM. In order to achieve this target, an additional 3,200-3,500 operators are needed. The company also needs an additional 1,500-2,000 mechanics. PPA targets an addition of 150 million BCM next year, with another circa-6,000 mechanics and operators needed to support this.

To onboard 6,000 workers, PPA can no longer rely on outdated training techniques.

R. Teguh Sapto Subroto said: “Simulators will help us to develop personnel at a safe and steady pace, independently of disruptions such as weather conditions. We need this technology.”

Before arriving at the decision to buy four PRO5 platforms, PPA had made an in-depth study of simulation vendors and related solutions, according to Subroto. This involved proof of concept product testing from Immersive Technologies.

“The biggest challenge in workforce development is to rapidly develop quality talent with the skills to be safe and productive,” Subroto said. “If you recruit well, you will compete with others, but skill levels may remain 30% below ideal. To produce a quality workforce, you need the right tool that make humans more efficient and effective.”

The simulators will later be managed by the PPA Academy.

Ramdani said that this latest PRO5 simulator has only been available to the market for a short period of time and PPA incorporated it rapidly because of the value it could bring. “Hopefully it can help PT. PPA in building worker competencies, especially for operators,” he said. “PPA recorded the highest growth in the industry which must be balanced with the quality of qualified workforce.”

Trisnohadi explained: “This level of realism and reliability will help companies produce quality workforces and significant return on investment. Our goal is to help PPA in obtaining a world-class workforce, which ultimately would result in greater operational efficiency.

“This PRO5 simulator is the cutting-edge product from Immersive Technologies with the latest evolution of display systems. It is a combination of seamless curve screen with stereoscopic 3D technology which provides unmatched training value and highest levels of learning.”