29 Feb 2024
PT Semen Padang’s TJSL Program for Garing Fish Conservation in Collaboration with Bung Hatta University’s LPPM
PT Semen Padang has taken another major step in its environmental commitment by signing a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) with the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Bung Hatta University, along with several other stakeholders. The signing ceremony, held at PT Semen Padang’s Wisma Indarung on February 22, 2024, marked a new chapter in the company’s Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility (TJSL) program, focusing primarily on the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
The event was attended by PT Semen Padang’s management, including the Finance and General Director, Oktoweri, as well as the academic leadership of Bung Hatta University, represented by Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Hendra Suherman. Also present was fisheries expert Prof. Dr. Hafrijal Syandri, M.S. from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, who plays a key role in the conservation program.
The main focus of this collaboration is the conservation of the Bilih fish, a rare endemic species. This conservation effort, initiated in 2018, has continued to this day with remarkable results. The Bilih fish—found only in the waters of West Sumatra—has become a symbol of local aquatic biodiversity that must be preserved.
The program goes beyond ex-situ conservation by actively engaging local communities in protecting the natural habitat of the Bilih. PT Semen Padang provides the facilities and funding, while Bung Hatta University contributes scientific expertise through a research team led by Prof. Dr. Hafrijal Syandri.
Following the success of the Bilih conservation project, the collaboration expanded in 2024 to include another important species, the Garing fish (Tor). This new initiative will take place in PT Semen Padang’s Ring I area, underscoring the company’s commitment to transforming its operational zones into conservation areas.
The Garing fish holds both ecological and economic importance, but its population has declined significantly due to habitat degradation and overfishing. This conservation program is expected to serve as a model for preserving other similar species across the region.
The collaboration between PT Semen Padang and Bung Hatta University has already proven successful, earning five prestigious national awards. These achievements stand as evidence that partnerships between industry and academia can generate meaningful environmental and social impacts.
List of Awards Received:
Indonesia Sustainable Development Goals Award (Gold Category) from the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas (2022)
– Recognizing the program’s contribution to achieving Indonesia’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Padmamitra Award – Environmental and Biodiversity Conservation Category from the Indonesian CSR Forum (2022)
– Acknowledging innovation in biodiversity-focused corporate social responsibility initiatives.ENSIA (Environmental and Social Innovation Award – Gold Category) from PT Sucofindo (2023)
– Awarded for sustainable social and environmental innovation.Soebroto Award from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (2023)
– The highest CSR recognition in the energy and mineral resources sector.Proper Emas (Gold PROPER Award) from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (2023)
– Prestigious recognition for excellence in corporate environmental management.
Director of LPPM Bung Hatta University, Dr. Azrita, S.Pi.,M.Si, emphasized that this partnership is a concrete realization of the university’s Tri Dharma of higher education. Bung Hatta University serves not only as an academic partner but also as a driver of innovation in addressing national environmental challenges.
The university’s contributions include:
Conducting scientific research to develop effective conservation methods.
Transferring knowledge to local communities on sustainable fisheries practices.
Monitoring and evaluating the program to ensure long-term success.
Integrating conservation and sustainability topics into academic curricula.
This endemic fish conservation initiative has produced multi-dimensional impacts on sustainable development in Indonesia. Bung Hatta University continues to play an active role in addressing environmental issues aligned with the government’s sustainability agenda.
The program not only prevents the extinction of endemic fish species but also:
Creates healthy and sustainable ecosystems.
Provides economic benefits to local communities through eco-fisheries tourism.
Raises public awareness of biodiversity conservation.
Serves as a replicable model for industry–academia collaboration.
The strategic partnership between PT Semen Padang and Bung Hatta University in conserving endemic fish species has proven that cross-sector collaboration can yield extraordinary results. This cooperation not only succeeds in saving rare species but has also earned national recognition through multiple prestigious awards.
The success of this initiative serves as an inspiration for other companies and educational institutions to develop similar partnerships focused on environmental preservation and sustainable development. Through continuous innovation and expansion, this collaboration is expected to make a lasting contribution to the future of Indonesia’s biodiversity.
This program demonstrates that corporate environmental and social responsibility is no longer merely an obligation, but a strategic investment that creates shared value for businesses, communities, and the environment alike.
© 2026 SDGs Center Universitas Bung Hatta