Culture Minister Advocates for First ASEAN Cement Factory in Padang to Become Art Space
Padang — The Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has outlined the potential for developing the Indarung I Factory precinct of PT Semen Padang—Indonesia’s and Southeast Asia’s first cement factory—as an education space and venue for artistic and cultural expression.
“This area could be utilised as an amphitheatre, exhibition space, and theatre venue. These buildings, which have already been designated as cultural heritage sites, can be activated as an art space, a space for artistic and cultural expression,” Fadli Zon said in a statement released in Jakarta on Friday.
The facility stands as evidence of technological development in the Asia-Pacific region and is recorded in the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and Pacific, a designation established by UNESCO.
UNESCO has recognised the archives of Indarung I Factory as part of Asia-Pacific’s collective memory due to its historical significance and the innovation and technological heritage embedded within it.
The Culture Minister noted that further improvements are still required at several points. Intervention will be needed not only from the central government but also from local authorities, communities, and PT Semen Padang.
He added that this development is expected to strengthen the function of the area as not merely a historical site but also as a public learning space that enriches the narrative of Indonesia’s industrial history.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Culture has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and revitalising historic sites as sources of knowledge and inspiration for society.
The Indarung area is expected to be developed as a model for managing historic industrial sites capable of presenting a compelling narrative about the historical journey of technology, industry, and national self-reliance.
“This location already has excellent potential and a strong foundation. I am confident this can become an additional space for artistic expression, especially since Indarung I has been designated as a cultural heritage site,” the Culture Minister said.