Life at RGE: Gabriella’s Recipe for Success

Gabriella Carissa Putihardjo believes that growth, like any good recipe, takes time, effort, and a commitment to learning. Whether she’s troubleshooting paper machines or trying out a new bake on the weekend, Gabriella approaches both with the same mindset: be curious, keep improving, and never stop experimenting.

As a Paper Process Specialist at APRIL in Pangkalan Kerinci, Indonesia, Gabriella oversees critical aspects of papermaking, from safety and quality to production and cost. This October marks her 10th year with the company, a journey that began when she was still a student.

Gabriella joined APRIL as a diploma trainee in pulp and paper through a scholarship programme, and was later awarded a second scholarship to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Riau University, Pekanbaru. Juggling full-time work and academic responsibilities is no small feat, but Gabriella did both while navigating new motherhood. She worked from 7am to 4pm, then continued her studies and lab work in the evening.

“Whenever it gets difficult, I remind myself that this is something I chose to do,” Gabriella shares. “I’m investing in myself; it’s worth the effort.” This attitude has become something she now instils in junior colleagues, many of whom are walking a similar path.

To stay balanced, Gabriella prioritises her physical well-being. She walks to work every day and enjoys jogging, finding parallels between personal goals and professional growth. “When you jog, you set your own pace. You learn to challenge yourself, and you learn to be your own supporter,” she says. “Keeping your health at peak importance is really the most important keystone that keeps everything else together.”

Gabriella stepped into a leadership position at just 26 years old.

That mindset served her well when she stepped into a leadership role at 26 years old. In a team of 35, where most members were older men, Gabriella had to earn trust and prove her capability, not just through knowledge, but through presence and planning. Joining her team in day to day operations, Gabriella demonstrated how she can keep up with the most demanding operational executions, proving her grit, dedication, and professional capability through actions.

“The biggest challenge was changing the belief that some roles are only for men,” she explains. “There is no limit to what we can do, regardless of gender, and my team could see that proven in me, every day. It was very heartening to witness that change in mindset.”

In addition to on the ground action, by taking time to listen, build relationships, and showing genuine interest in her team’s expertise, Gabriella turned scepticism into support. Her team began to see her not just as a leader, but as an advocate – someone who would bring their voices to management and help them succeed.

And that trust goes both ways. “As a leader, you’re only as strong as your team. My job is to help bring out everyone’s full potential,” she says.

By actively taking part in day-to-day operations as a leader, Gabriella proves that there are no limits to what people can do, regardless of gender.

One of Gabriella’s proudest milestones was being part of the Paper Mill 3 project, starting quite literally from the ground up. From system design to test runs, she was hands-on with the entire process, starting when the project team only consisted of two members. When the first piece of paper rolled off the line, it was a moment of immense pride. “We built it from scratch,” she says. “Seeing that first result made every late night and challenge worth it.”

Lately, Gabriella has been rediscovering her love for baking. She enjoys experimenting with recipes handed down through generations in her family – cookies for weekend treats, pineapple tarts during Hari Raya, and croissants, her personal favourite. It’s a reminder that learning doesn’t stop, even outside the workplace. “There’s always a new technique, a better way, a small tweak that makes something great even better.”

Whether in the lab, on the production floor, or in her kitchen, Gabriella continues to grow by staying curious and committed to improvement. Because in work, as in life, success is something you build, layer by layer.

Watch Gabriella’s journey overcoming challenges and pushing the limits of what’s possible here.