Managing the Environmental and Societal Life as Part of the Cement-Padang Manufacturing’s Contribution in West Sumatra amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

¹ Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesha Street 10 th, Bandung 40132, West Java, Indonesia
² PT Semen Padang, Indarung Factory, Padang 25237, West Sumatera, Indonesia

^* Corresponding e-mail: dewi16permatasari@gmail.com

Abstract

This paper will explore Semen Padang’s various contributions to nationwide COVID-19 impact mitigation efforts, bringing together the company’s operational aspects while still paying close attention to the conservation of its surrounding areas, as well as the empowerment of local communities devastated by the pandemic. In its environmental management aspects, the company has shifted from using non-renewable fuel to renewable ones by utilizing agro-industrial waste. In the social aspects, the company still goes ahead with its development of an ecotourism ecosystem to make sure community to sustain their welfare. From all the efforts mentioned above, the company has been able to manage COVID-19-related waste, while boosting energy efficiency, reducing its toxic and hazardous waste, utilizing filter bags containing its toxic and hazardous waste, reducing its particulate emission, boosting water use efficiency in its Indarung factory, conserving the germ plasm of the Bilih fish species, as well as the empowerment of communities living in the vicinity of ecotourism area, in the Lambung Bukit area. When the COVID-19 pandemic escalated in Indonesia, Semen Padang was at the forefront of medical waste management from pandemic-spreading activities while also maintaining cement production operations for the needs of sustainable national development.