From Campus to the Canopy: Young Female Graduates Leading Mayawana’s Forest Nursery

KETAPANG, WEST KALIMANTAN (2026) — Tended beneath the sprawling green shades of PT Mayawana Persada’s forest nursery in Simpang Hulu, millions of seedlings thrive alongside a powerful story of female ambition. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, young female university graduates from across West Kalimantan hold key leadership roles as Nursery Assistants, managing daily field operations and forestry science.

Among them is Sarah (26), a Forestry graduate from Tanjungpura University (UNTAN) originally from Bengkayang. She joined PT Mayawana Persada after passing campus recruitment interviews during her final year.

Though living in employee quarters far from city lights, Sarah feels right at home. For her, the forest nursery is the ideal proving ground for a female graduate to demonstrate her capability and field leadership.

"Mayawana is where I put my university degree into real practice. I learn every single day, discovering my potential and building operational discipline as a woman leading a field team," shares Sarah, who has served at the nursery for over three years.

Another inspiring voice comes from Enesta Dayung Echi Pune (25), fondly known as Echi. An alumnus of Panca Bakti University (UPB) from Simpang Dua, working at PT Mayawana Persada had been her dream since student days—allowing her to build an independent professional career without being far from home.

"I’ve gained so much practical knowledge and field experience here. More importantly, my financial independence allows me as a daughter to make my parents proud," Echi says warmly.

That sense of fulfillment is shared by fellow Nursery Assistants Nadia (25) and Desi (27). For them, leading field teams is more than just personal career growth; it is proof that women can be the primary pillar for their family's future. Through their monthly earnings, both have successfully funded their younger siblings' education.

"Thank God, working here enabled me to support both of my younger siblings through school—one has now graduated from university, and the other is in high school," Nadia reflects with a thankful smile.

The presence of Sarah, Echi, Nadia, and Desi proves that forestry science and field management naturally belong to women as well. Combining academic expertise, attention to detail, and genuine dedication, these young female graduates show that local women are standing at the very forefront of sustainable forestry in West Kalimantan.