Minister Zon Pushes Cultural Use for Historic Indarung Cement Plant
“This site can be utilized as an amphitheater to hold exhibitions and theatrical performances. Having been recognized as a cultural heritage site, this place can be reactivated as an art space for artistic and cultural expressions,” he said.
He made the remarks after visiting the now-defunct cement plant, owned by state cement producer PT Semen Padang, in Indarung Village, Lubuk Kilangan Subdistrict, on Thursday, according to a press release received on Friday.
Operating for nearly 90 years until 1999, the Indarung I Plant has gained international recognition, with its archives from the 1910–1972 period registered with the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) of UNESCO since 2024.
On its website, the MOWCAP noted the historic factory for four aspects: production of high-quality cement; gender inclusivity since the early 1900s; multicultural employees from Europe, China, and Indonesia; and contributions to vital infrastructure development in Asia, including Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has designated several buildings within the plant site as national cultural heritage, underscoring the factory’s pivotal role in industrialization and its enduring symbol of independence in development.
With that in mind, Zon emphasized the importance of concerted efforts from the central government, regional administrations, communities, and PT Semen Padang to polish and enliven the valuable heritage site.
The minister expressed confidence that revitalization initiatives would elevate the manufacturing facility beyond an idle historic site, tapping into its potential as a venue for education on national industry.
He added that the Ministry of Culture is committed not only to protecting but also to reviving historic sites, aiming to build public awareness of the nation’s past and heritage.
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Translator: Pamela Sakina, Tegar Nurfitra