Semen Baturaja Receives Green PROPER Certification from the South Sumatra Provincial Government for Its Environmental Performance

PALEMBANG – PT Semen Baturaja Tbk (SMBR), a subsidiary of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG), has once again received recognition for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The South Sumatra Provincial Government awarded the Baturaja Factory a Green PROPER Certificate and the Kertapati Packing Unit a Blue PROPER Certificate, recognizing the company’s environmental management performance during the 2023–2024 assessment period by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia (KLHK).

The certificate presentation took place on Wednesday (July 9) at the Arya Duta Hotel in Palembang, and was presented directly by the Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru, to SMBR’s Vice President of Mining & Waste Management, Muhammad Beni, who was present on behalf of management.

Muhammad Beni expressed his appreciation for the awards. “We are grateful for this PROPER award. This is the result of the hard work of all SMBR employees in integrating sustainability principles into every operational process. Moving forward, we will continue to strive to improve environmental management standards and innovate to support sustainable development,” said Beni.

He also explained that SMBR implements various flagship programs in environmental management.

“We have a number of sustainable initiatives, including carbon emission reduction programs, efficient water use, hazardous waste management, and the implementation of the 4R system (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Recovery). We also protect biodiversity around our operational areas,” he explained.

In terms of community development, SMBR actively pursues various environmental and economic initiatives. Among them is the Eco Café Program “Ngopi Bayar Pakai Sampah,” where residents can exchange plastic waste for coffee, as a form of waste management education. Furthermore, SMBR has developed the Economic & Education Bee Farm Program, which provides educational and economic training on trigona bee cultivation to encourage the independence of the surrounding community.

“For us, sustainability is not just about complying with regulations, but also about how we directly impact the environment and society,” added Beni.

Meanwhile, the Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru, in his remarks expressed his appreciation to companies that demonstrate a real commitment to the environment.

“This certificate is not just an award, but also a testament to the corporation’s commitment to environmental protection. This means recognizing that nature (the world) belongs to all our children. The commitment is to pass on a good legacy,” he said.

He also encouraged the public to adopt good habits at home. “Let’s start with ourselves, encourage our family members to do small things, like sorting organic and inorganic waste, which we might not realize can be used,” he added.

This PROPER achievement is clear evidence that SMBR consistently carries out its environmental responsibilities as part of its sustainable and ethical business strategy. SMBR is committed to continuing to grow and develop harmoniously with the community and nature. (*)