Semen Baturaja Holds Advocacy for Craftsmen in Baturaja to Improve Craftsman Competence

BATURAJA – PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR), a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG), once again held a Craftsman Advocacy program titled “Proud Builders of Indonesia” as part of the company’s commitment to improving the competency of construction workers in its operational areas. The event took place at Ganesha Arena, Baturaja, on Thursday (November 27th) and was attended by 123 participants from various regions of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency.

The event was attended by Tarida Tambunan, Vice President of Marketing Planning & Development of SMBR, accompanied by Victor Nafalino, Senior Manager of Pricing & Promotion, and also by Abdul Kadir Fajaruddin, Acting Head of the OKU Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Agency.

In her remarks, Tarida Tambunan stated that this activity is an important tool for strengthening the capacity of craftsmen as the spearhead of development. “We believe that the prosperity and future of the construction industry in Indonesia depend heavily on the continued development of our construction workers. Therefore, we are providing materials, mentoring, and education to strengthen their competencies, from proper installation techniques and efficient material utilization to an understanding of workplace safety, which is a top priority,” said Tarida.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kadir Fajaruddin also expressed his appreciation for the organization of this event. “We commend Semen Baturaja for holding this gathering with the construction workers. This is a breakthrough, and hopefully, this program will continue to be implemented successfully in the future,” he said.

In this activity, participants received a more comprehensive series of materials, covering basic theory and product explanations, cement quality and types, warehousing management and storage procedures, ideal cement mix composition, mixing techniques, and the cement casting process, as well as maintenance and finishing of cement work. The materials were designed to address the technical needs of the construction workers, enabling them to work to a higher standard.

In addition to the presentation, participants were also invited to a plant visit to observe the cement production process firsthand, ensuring that the knowledge gained was not only theoretical but also practical.

The event also featured various cement application competitions, ranging from the neatest plastering and mortar skills, to bricklaying, and even creating the ideal cement mix. These competitions provided an opportunity for the masons to apply the knowledge gained and demonstrate their technical abilities. The event also featured engaging games and quizzes, adding to the interaction and excitement for the participants.

As a token of support for competency development, each participant received a training certificate as proof of participation and skill attainment. Semen Baturaja also provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety shoes, work vests, and helmets, to support workplace safety. The event concluded with door prizes to boost enthusiasm and appreciation for the participants.

One participant, Hadi, expressed his delight at participating in the event. “The activity was very beneficial and enjoyable. I gained a lot of new knowledge about the proper use of cement. I hope Semen Baturaja can hold more events like this in the future,” he said.

Previous Craftsman Advocacy activities have been held in Lampung, Jambi, Palembang, and Muara Enim, and will be held in other regions. This demonstrates Semen Baturaja’s commitment to supporting community competency improvement and the quality of development in the region. (*)