Inalum Focuses on Education and Health to Accelerate Disaster Recovery in West Sumatra
Jakarta, VIVA – PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) has taken concrete steps to rebuild SDN 49 Batang Kabung primary school in Padang, West Sumatra, which was damaged by flash floods last December. In addition to restoring educational facilities, Inalum has also established a free medical treatment post for disadvantaged communities in the affected area as part of broader social and health recovery efforts.
Inalum President Director Melati Sarnita said that the school reconstruction and provision of free health services form part of the company’s commitment to being present for communities, particularly during post-disaster recovery.
“Education and health are the primary foundations for building the nation’s future. We believe that post-disaster recovery is not merely about infrastructure, but also about restoring people’s hope and spirit,” Melati said in a statement on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
House of Representatives Commission VI member Andre Rosiade expressed appreciation for Inalum’s swift and concrete action in assisting the recovery of educational facilities and providing free health services for disaster-affected communities in Padang.
“We extend our appreciation to Inalum for its concern and commitment in rebuilding SDN 49 Batang Kabung and providing free medical treatment for the community. This is a tangible demonstration of state-owned enterprises serving the people. Collaboration of this kind is essential so that the post-disaster recovery process can proceed more quickly and deliver direct benefits to the community,” he said.
The event, held at the new SDN 49 Batang Kabung school site in Koto Tangah subdistrict, was attended by Danantara Chief Operating Officer and BP BUMN head Dony Oskaria, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah, Padang Mayor Fadly Amran, Padang Military District Commander Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ferry Adianto, as well as members of the Padang Regional Leadership Coordination Forum and representatives from state-owned enterprises based in Padang, reflecting a collaborative effort across all societal elements in post-disaster recovery.
The reconstruction of SDN 49 Batang Kabung is being carried out on a 1,000-square-metre plot owned by the Padang City Government, to ensure that the teaching and learning process can resume safely and comfortably for students. Padang Mayor Fadly Amran said the support provided by various parties such as Inalum is vital to post-disaster recovery.