A proud smile was clearly written
on Erry Sunarli’s face, when he was named one of the Top 10 Indonesia Future
Business Leaders 2011 by SWA magazine. For the executive assistant to the
chairman of the KMK Group – a multinational footwear manufacturing company
producing global premium brands (Nike and Converse), this achievement was a
matter of pride as well as recognition of his efforts thus far. However, Erry
acknowledges that these achievements are shared by all KMK Group employees.
Erry asserts that his success
cannot be separated from the company philosophy that always puts the interests
of employees above all else. “KMK is committed to providing the best quality
products and to being a great place to work with its Human Touch Management
philosophy. In conducting business, we focus on people, diversity, the
environment and local community,” said Erry.
Erry explained that in creating a
strategic framework KMK uses human values and societal values as its decision
making criteria. The company treats employees as family, with people being the
most important asset in the company. “Therefore, KMK is willing to invest in
the human side of organization, an investment that cannot be justified by
immediate financial return but can help create a sustainable institution,” he
added.
“I can say I have been a part of
and have witnessed the manufacturing evolution in our company,” he said. “It is
hard to imagine, you start to work at the company with only 10 people, which
has now become more than 17,000 employees. And I am happy to be part of the
process,” said Erry who has been working for the company for more than 18 years
in various managerial positions. He participates in high level operation
initiatives, including turnaround management and reorganization.
In line with the company
philosophy, KMK encourages employees to continue develop their skills and
knowledge by providing a further education program. In 2001, KMK received an
award from then president BJ Habibie for initiating a formal education program
for employees in the company. During the period 1999 to 2007, 800 employees
graduated from junior and high school. Others training programs are also held
in the company such as supervisory skills, lean manufacturing system, health
and safety, and managerial skills.
For the management level, the
company conducts multi-leadership training regularly and key managers are sent
overseas for training to improve their competency. “We have 13 NOS or lean
sensei. Our people are the foundation of our success and the key to our future,”
said Erry.
According to Erry, KMK also has a
unique management team. A combination of Indonesians and expatriates from
Korea, Taiwan, China and Japan provide value for the company. “We are diverse
in nationalities but united by a culture that believes our diversity makes us
stronger. “We have a coherent identity based on mutual respect and trust,” he
added.
He explained that business is a
primary pillar of society. In manufacturing its products, the company use
processes that minimize any negative impact on the environment and that
conserve energy and natural resources, as well as ensuring the safety and
health of its employees, communities and consumers. “This is what we call
sustainable manufacturing,” said Erry who is a graduate of Gadjah Mada
University majoring in international relations.
By collaborating with customers
and other footwear manufacturers, in 2003, KMK established PT RCI (Recycle
Centre Indonesia), the first recycling centre for footwear manufacturers in the
country.
This is part of its corporate
social responsibility. KMK’s chairman together with labor union leaders and
several members of the board of directors visit an employee’s house and
community in the area twice a month. This program began in 1998. “We call it
Kunjungan ke Rumah Karyawan,” said Erry, who explained that it creates positive
relationships and boosts employee engagement.
KMK’s investment in the community
and its employees is seen by the recognition it has achieved. KMK hosted a
dialogue between employees and all footwear business entities with president
Megawati in July 2004. The footwear company received the Green Factory Award
from the governor of Banten in 2006 and an award for Best Company in EHS system
in 2007.
In the same year, KMK received an
award as Best Company in Managing Female Workers from President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono and in 2010 as Best Company in Promoting Employee Health from the
minister of health.
Erry explained that while
volatility in the world economy continued this year, KMK kept focusing on
innovation. “We also place a high premium on innovation,” he said. Innovation
according to Erry is an important part of KMK’s strategic plan.
The company gains input from the
management, employees, customers and even business partners related to
improvement of products, processes or the working environment. Innovation has
become part of the company culture. “In 2004, we received the Nike Innovation
Excellence Award and in 2005 received the Best Nike Indo Manufacturing for
Excellence,” said Erry.
“We believe that to have
sustainable growth in the current business environment amid an atmosphere of
uncertainty, and to be a great company we need to continue to innovate and
create more value for stakeholders as well as to care for our people and
society. All this is based on our principle of Human Touch Management.” (T.
Hidayat)
The Jakarta Post, January 14, 2012
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