Acting Governor of South Sumatra Supports Semen Baturaja’s Strategic Steps for Sustainable Growth

BATURAJA – Acting Governor of South Sumatra (Sumsel) Elen Setiadi inaugurated the Sako Bridge owned by PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR) as a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG). The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).

The event was held on Tuesday (20/8) at the Wisma Ganesha Hall, Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (OKU), South Sumatra. This visit was also attended by the SMBR Board of Commissioners including President Commissioner Alex Iskandar Munaf and Commissioner Inosentius Samsul and the entire SMBR Board of Directors, namely President Director Suherman Yahya, Director of Operations Muhammad Syafitri, Director (Finance & HR Function) Rahmat Hidayat.

The inauguration of the Sako Bridge was marked by the signing of an inscription directly by the Acting Governor of South Sumatra Elen Setiadi accompanied by the Acting Regent of OKU M. Iqbal Alisyahbana and the Board of Commissioners and Directors of SMBR.

In his remarks, the Acting Governor of South Sumatra Elen Setiadi expressed his gratitude and congratulations on the construction of the Sako Bridge. “On behalf of the South Sumatra Provincial Government, I congratulate you on the construction of the Sako Bridge in OKU Regency, South Sumatra Province,” said Elen.

The 60-meter long bridge will be access to Mine – 3 (T-3) owned by Semen Baturaja, this mine has reserves of cement raw materials that are estimated to be able to supply needs for the next 60 years. This inauguration is one of the strategic steps in ensuring the sustainability of the supply of raw materials for cement production in the future.

“In the future, we hope that Semen Baturaja can provide other infrastructure assistance for OKU Regency, so that with this assistance, the community can directly feel the positive effects of Semen Baturaja for the community,” he said.

He added that he hopes that the inauguration of this Bridge Construction can expand accessibility in OKU Regency, so that social activities can run smoothly to improve the economy of the community in the surrounding area. We all hope that the construction of this bridge can benefit all levels of society.

Meanwhile, SMBR President Director Suherman Yahya explained that T-3 is a strategic asset for Semen Baturaja. “The administrative progress of determining the work area at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has reached 85%, and the issuance of the Mining Business Permit (IUP) for production operations in August 2023 with an IUP area of ​​1,552.54 hectares, we are optimistic that this mine will become an important resource to support sustainable production,” he said. (*)

The Acting Governor of South Sumatra also planted Red Kaliandra (Caliandra Calothyrsus) tree seedlings as a symbol of commitment to environmental preservation at Semen Baturaja. This planting is part of Semen Baturaja’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions through the use of biomass from red calliandra plants as an alternative fuel.

SMBR President Director Suherman Yahya explained that the company is committed to continuing to find innovative, environmentally friendly solutions, one of which is through the use of Renewable Energy (EBT).

“The use of biomass as fuel is one of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and we are optimistic that this step will make a significant contribution to achieving the Net Zero Emission target by 2060,” he explained.

Suherman revealed that the company has identified a biomass potential of 46,844.56 tons produced from a total of 54,429 vegetation, including red calliandra plants that have calories ranging from 4,100 – 4,200 kilocalories (kcal) which are planned to be managed as alternative fuels to substitute coal or EBT.

“Until now, Semen Baturaja has had 972 red calliandra plants, with a target of 1,500 red calliandra plants planted by the end of the year, with the potential calculation of being able to absorb up to 75.93 tons of CO₂. This shows a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions,” said Suherman. (*)