Since its establishment, PT Semen Padang has never stopped contributing to the development of the surrounding regions.
Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - PT Semen Padang, a subsidiary of state-run cement manufacturer holding PT Semen Indonesian (Persero), has contributed to building Indonesia from the Minang Land for 112 years since being founded on March 18, 1910.

Establishment of the company was the idea of a Dutch officer, with a German nationality, Carl Christophus Lau.

Rocks on Ngalau Hill and Karang Putih Hill in Indrarung Village, Lubuk Kilang Sub-district, Padang City, West Sumatra Province, piqued his interest.

The rocks were sent to the Van Materials Ondezoek Laboratory in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for examination. They turned out to be limestone and silica stones that could be used as raw materials for cement.

At the time, it was estimated that the Karang Putih Hill contained hundreds of millions of metric tons of limestone deposit. Meanwhile, the rocks on Ngalau Hill contain silica.

Hence, on January 25, 1907, Lau proposed to the Dutch East Indies government to establish a cement company in Indarung Village, as quoted in a book titled "Satu Abad Membangun Negeri," which means "One Century Building the Nation," written by Hasril Chaniago.

The proposal was approved seven months later. However, it took three years to realize the plan since Lau struggled to provide financing for establishment of the new corporation.


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Finally, a company was established on March 18, 1910, named Naamloze Vennootschap, which means Limited Liability Company, Nederlandch Indische Portland Cemen Maatschappij (NV NIPCM).

The enterprise became quite a big investment at the time, managed by the Agriculture, Industry, and Trade Ministry of the Dutch East Indies Government.

Along with development of the cement manufacturer, the Dutch government also encouraged business players to invest their capital in other infrastructure development projects, such as railways, Ombilin coal mining, and Emma Haven Port (currently called Teluk Bayur Port).

Development of the new business enlivened the Indarung Village. Thus, "cement" quickly became a new terminology used among members of the community.

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Hopes

Commemorating the 112th anniversary of the establishment of PT Semen Padang, various aspirations were echoed by several parties for the oldest cement company in Indonesia.

One of them is West Sumatra Governor, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, who expected the enterprise to continue to improve its business performance as well as maintain its good relationship with the community in future.

The company's harmonious and concordant relationship with the community will be the driving force for the enterprise’s success and improvement.

Hence, the governor also expressed optimism that PT Semen Padang would increase the community's participation to collaborate with the corporation and accommodate more West Sumatran human resources to work in the company.

"The success of PT Semen Padang cannot be separated from the support of the regional governments in West Sumatra Province," he remarked.

Furthermore, Ansharullah lauded the corporation for assisting local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and expected the company to continue to nurture SMEs, so they can continue to grow and facilitate post-pandemic regional economic recovery.

In addition, he lauded the enterprise for aiding the implementation of mass COVID-19 vaccinations through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

"I think that PT Semen Padang has quite a significant social role, including helping the mitigation of earthquake," the governor stated.

He also commended the company for successfully cultivating bilih fish (Mystacoleucus padangensis), which is an endemic fish of Lake Singkarak, located between the districts of Tanah Datar and Solok in West Sumatra Province.

In line with the governor's view, Padang Mayor Hendri Septa assessed that the establishment of PT Semen Padang proffered myriad benefits to the region.

"Since its establishment, PT Semen Padang has never stopped contributing to the development of the surrounding regions. The corporation is the pride of ‘urang awak’ (means Minang people, the ethnic majority in West Sumatra Province)," he remarked.


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From time to time, the company has contributed to constructing various public infrastructures.

PT Semen Padang is expected to continue to maintain its existence in future by contributing to the nation's development in addition to streamlining its superior programs that can bolster the people's welfare.

Head of the Customary Representative Body (KAN) of Limau Manis Village, Syarifudin Dt Bungsu, stated that so far, the enterprise had paid significant attention to its surrounding community and area.

KAN is the customary institutions for community counselling and consensus at West Sumatran villages.

The corporation has conducted various programs for the community, such as the Nagari (means Village) Children's Empowerment Forum, which has been running for nine years to improve children's education, female farmers’ groups, as well as community’s economy.

In addition, the head of the customary institution thanked PT Semen Padang for its assistance in the construction of public infrastructure, such as roads and mosques.



Optimistic Improvement

Commemoration of the 112th anniversary of PT Semen Padang was themed "Rise Stronger," thereby reflecting the enterprise's optimism to improve.

"It is a momentum for us to get better and go forward in facing all challenges and obstacles," Acting President Director of PT Semen Padang Asri Mukhtar remarked.

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During its 112-year journey, the corporation had experienced various ups and downs, as it became a silent witness to the history of Indonesia’s struggle against colonialism and got revived under the management of the nation’s children.

In the hands of the nation’s children, the company has become a pioneer of modernization in Indonesia by assisting the establishment of various infrastructure masterpieces in the country.

However, in recent years, the enterprise has faced stiff competition in the cement industry, as there are several new players that resulted in excessive supply of the commodity in the market.

Moreover, the condition of the market has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic that has slowed down the global economy since 2020.

Nevertheless, in 2021, Semen Padang had continued to show good performance in terms of its production and sales. The great achievement will be maintained and improved.

Hence, 2022 is a good momentum for PT Semen Padang to "rise stronger."

With the strong determination and support of all stakeholders, the company's personnel strive to build an optimistic spirit to rise and become stronger, so they can make increasingly better contributions to the region and nation.


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Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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