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Nobella Indradjaja
Senior Legal Officer
In the ever-evolving realm of corporate law, where change is the only constant and new developments arise across diverse industries and nations, legal professionals are entrusted with the crucial task of staying ahead of the curve. Innovative leadership, marked by openness to new ideas and proactive strategies, is not just a choice but a key to be on par. Only through this dynamic approach can legal professionals effectively navigate the ever-changing currents of corporate law and provide valuable insights to their organizations and clients.
Among these dedicated professionals is Nobella Indradjaja, a seasoned Senior Legal Officer at PT. Smelting. With a rich background that began in 2006 as a corporate legal secretary, Nobella's journey reflects determination and continuous growth. Despite starting from a low level, her passion for understanding the intricacies of the legal domain drove her to pursue a law profession. Inspired by legal opinions and guided by a belief in lifelong learning, she thrives on acquiring new knowledge and skills daily. Looking forward, her vision extends beyond being a Senior Legal Officer; she aspires to be a respected international legal consultant and lawyer.
Share your professional background. What inspired your journey into law?
In 2006, I embarked on my professional journey as a corporate legal secretary in one of Indonesia's leading companies. My role involved acting as a liaison between the company, lawyers, notaries, and government agencies. I was responsible for facilitating communication and conducting due diligence processes, as well as preparing legal opinions based on the perspectives of lawyers. Today, after almost a decade of experience, I hold the position of a legal officer. My journey wasn't a direct path to seniority; I began at a low level and gradually worked my way up.
Despite my background in literature and English, my job required me to interact extensively with lawyers, notaries, and legal agencies. My curiosity about the purpose and significance of legal departments within companies led me to delve deeper into the legal domain. I found inspiration in reading legal opinions from corporate lawyers and consultants. This curiosity became the driving force behind my decision to pursue a law degree.
I was honored to be nominated as the best presenter at the International Conference on Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development. Additionally, I have contributed extensively to the field of law, having written numerous articles and published several book.
Define PT. Smelting as an organization and its current position in the market?
PT. Smelting is Indonesia's pioneer copper smelter and refinery, established through collaboration between PT. Freeport Indonesia and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (MMC) in 1994. Since 1996, we have been dedicated to producing the highest quality copper, boasting a remarkable 99.99 percent purity. Over the years, we have undergone several expansions and are currently in the process of further increasing our production capacity.
PT. Smelting operates as a private company, with shareholders. Situated in East Java, Gresik, we are a significant industrial player, specializing in copper smelting and refinery. Our operations are integral to the production of high-quality copper products, and we also supply byproducts to government-owned entities like petrochemical companies, supporting national initiatives in sectors such as fertilizer production.
What are your leadership approaches and guiding methodologies as a leader?
My leadership approach is deeply influenced by my life experiences. Having faced challenges to integrate and relate to my employees, I understand the importance of empathetic leadership. I actively seek suggestions and feedback from everyone in the team. While I don't feel compelled to accept every criticism, I carefully evaluate each one to determine its potential benefits for my future, the company, or the business. If a suggestion aligns with these goals, I am open to making adjustments and improvements.
Being a leader isn't about asserting authority; it's about fostering a collaborative environment. I firmly believe in the value of listening to my surroundings. Despite our best efforts, we are all human and can make mistakes. Remaining receptive to feedback allows me to learn from these errors and continuously improve. By being open-minded and encouraging input from others, I aim to set new standards that contribute not only to personal growth but also to the overall progress of my career and the organization.
How do you keep yourself up-to-date with ongoing industry trends?
I firmly believe in the philosophy that learning is a lifelong process. This mindset drives me every day, pushing me to acquire new knowledge and skills continually. I approach each day with eagerness, embracing the opportunity to learn something new and that keeps me motivated and enthusiastic about my work.
I stay informed about industry trends by extensively reading, subscribing to mailing lists, and following various magazines and online publications. Additionally, I actively participate in law conferences and regularly read journals and articles related to the legal field. This broader understanding not only keeps me updated on global legal developments but also helps me grasp the unique and swiftly changing regulations in Indonesia, enabling me to navigate them effectively for the organization's benefit.
What were some initial challenges that you faced in the legal domain? How did you overcome them?
Establishing myself as a successful leader in the legal domain posed significant challenges, particularly due to the rapid changes in government regulations in Indonesia. Staying ahead of these changes was crucial. To overcome these challenges, I adopted a proactive approach. I engaged in continuous learning, attending study groups with the government and subscribing to various information sources. This proactive mindset allowed me to anticipate and navigate regulatory changes effectively, ensuring that the legal department at PT. Smelting stayed one step ahead and could provide valuable insights to other departments within the company.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
In the future, I aspire to establish myself as a renowned international legal professional. Over the next five years, I aim to transition from being recognized as a Senior Legal Officer at PT. Smelting to becoming a respected legal consultant and lawyer. I envision creating my own law firm or consulting company, aligning with my passion for dismantling legal challenges in Indonesia. My goal is to change the perception of legal departments in the country. I want companies to view legal professionals as valuable partners, not just problem solvers.
Nobella Indradjaja, Senior Legal Officer, PT. Smelting
A seasoned legal expert, dedicated to transforming challenges into opportunities. With a passion for continuous learning, she navigates the intricate legal landscape, ensuring innovative solutions for businesses.