My Experience in a Foreign Automotive Factory
A Story from Product Development
I spent exactly one year working at a foreign investment company (PMA) specializing in automotive parts in Tangerang. This company is quite large and focuses on producing various types of filters for motor vehicles—ranging from oil filters, fuel filters (gasoline and diesel), to air filters. The products are not only used in motorcycles and cars but also in heavy equipment like tractors and industrial machinery.
My Role: Product Development Staff for Filters
I worked in the Product Development division as a staff member. During my time there, I was responsible for the development of several filters such as:
- Kubota diesel fuel filter
- Kubota air filter
- FAVE Kubota filter
Developing these products involved more than just drafting or running simulations. It required research, performance testing, and constant revision. This taught me a lot about technical details, durability, and systematic thinking.
The Bitter Side of Workplace Dynamics
However, as the saying goes, "no rose without a thorn"—not everything was smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges came from the work environment, especially my interaction with my supervisor. Every Monday morning during our weekly meeting, it felt like walking into a gladiator match: high tension, heated arguments, and more blame than solution-seeking.
My chief had a communication style that I found rather harsh and, at times, personally offensive. Instead of guidance or mentorship, I often felt cornered when presenting my progress. This took a toll on my mental well-being.
Additionally, there were colleagues whose behavior I found disruptive. Whether it was due to conflicting work styles or just interpersonal friction, their presence sometimes made work more difficult than necessary.
Lessons Learned and Motivation
Despite the challenges, I gained invaluable lessons:
- Mental resilience – Staying professional under pressure.
- Technical communication – Explaining ideas to a diverse team.
- Emotional balance – Managing expectations when criticism is harsh.
Message and Conclusion
Working in manufacturing, especially in R&D, requires not just skill, but endurance. If you’re in this field:
- Don’t fear tough conversations—they shape your growth.
- If it’s too much, it’s okay to rest or move on.
- Stay curious—tech never stops evolving.
In conclusion: This experience didn’t just build my resume—it built me. Bitter or sweet, I’m grateful for the journey. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next chapter!
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