· Press Release
Bukit Asam Facilities Hotel Saka Ombilin for the International Site Manager Symposium in Sawahlunto
Sawahlunto, August 25, 2025 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk reaffirmed its commitment to preserving cultural heritage by actively participating in the organization of the International Symposium "We Are Site Managers" (WASM) – a global forum that brings together site managers of World Heritage Sites from various countries.
As a concrete form of support, Bukit Asam provided both the venue and accommodation for participants at the Hotel Saka Ombilin in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. The hotel is a revitalized building that once served as the office of PT Bukit Asam Tbk’s Ombilin Mining Unit and is now managed by its subsidiary, PT Bukit Multi Properti, in collaboration with KHAS Hotel, part of the Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG).
Held from August 24 to 28, 2025, the symposium brought together more than 35 international speakers from 16 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Iceland, Scotland, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Russia, and Syria. Over five days, participants engaged in nine major discussion sessions under a shared goal: "One Shared Mission" – strengthen global cooperation in the preserving and managing World Heritage Sites.
The event was officially opened by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, who emphasized that cultural heritage is not merely a historical relic of the past but a crucial foundation for building a future rooted in values, identity, and history.
"Today, we are not just standing in a city. We are standing within a living monument a vast archive that bears witness to human resilience, dreams, hard work, and dedication. Welcome to Sawahlunto, a historical stage where civilizations was once tested by time," said Fadli.
The symposium was held in the heart of the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which serves as both the main case study and a living laboratory throughout the discussions.
"Every heritage site, including the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site that is hosting this event, has a long and transformative journey. As the oldest coal mine in Southeast Asia, this site is steeped in a history of oppression, forced labor (‘orang rantai’), and Dutch colonial exploitation," he added.
Fadli noted, however, that Sawahlunto has successfully transformed into a meaningful historic city – a result of ongoing innovation and dedicated cultural preservation. He emphasized that heritage is not a frozen memory, but a reflection of a civilization that continues to evolve.
He also stressed that the Indonesian government places culture as a cornerstone of national development.
"Within the framework of the Post-2030 Development Agenda, culture will play a vital role in addressing global challenges. Indonesia aims not only to strengthen its position on the world heritage map but also to become a global center of civilization – where the noble values of the past serve as guidance for navigating the future," Fadli affirmed.
Mayor of Sawahlunto, Riyanda Putra, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, the steering committee, and participants of the first WASM symposium held in Penang, Malaysia, for entrusting Sawahlunto to host the second edition.
"Sawahlunto is a small city located in the heart of Sumatra, rich in both natural and cultural heritage. This city reflects the legacy of the industrial revolution that once changed the world and holds outstanding universal value – officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 6, 2019. We are committed to strengthening this foundation and fostering closer collaboration at both national and international levels," Riyanda stated.
Through its unceasing energy, Bukit Asam is committed to providing sustainable energy – including the development of renewable energy businesses and other sustainability initiatives focused on cultural preservation, environmental care, and community empowerment as part of its contribution to national development.
PT Bukit Asam Tbk's contribution to the WASM event serves as a tangible example of collaboration between the business sector and educational institutions in advancing economic self-sufficiency. This effort also aligns with the theme of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day: "Unity, Sovereignty, People’s Welfare, Advancing Indonesia," which highlights economic independence as a crucial foundation for achieving national prosperity and progress.
As a concrete form of support, Bukit Asam provided both the venue and accommodation for participants at the Hotel Saka Ombilin in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. The hotel is a revitalized building that once served as the office of PT Bukit Asam Tbk’s Ombilin Mining Unit and is now managed by its subsidiary, PT Bukit Multi Properti, in collaboration with KHAS Hotel, part of the Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG).
Held from August 24 to 28, 2025, the symposium brought together more than 35 international speakers from 16 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Iceland, Scotland, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Russia, and Syria. Over five days, participants engaged in nine major discussion sessions under a shared goal: "One Shared Mission" – strengthen global cooperation in the preserving and managing World Heritage Sites.
The event was officially opened by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, who emphasized that cultural heritage is not merely a historical relic of the past but a crucial foundation for building a future rooted in values, identity, and history.
"Today, we are not just standing in a city. We are standing within a living monument a vast archive that bears witness to human resilience, dreams, hard work, and dedication. Welcome to Sawahlunto, a historical stage where civilizations was once tested by time," said Fadli.
The symposium was held in the heart of the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which serves as both the main case study and a living laboratory throughout the discussions.
"Every heritage site, including the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site that is hosting this event, has a long and transformative journey. As the oldest coal mine in Southeast Asia, this site is steeped in a history of oppression, forced labor (‘orang rantai’), and Dutch colonial exploitation," he added.
Fadli noted, however, that Sawahlunto has successfully transformed into a meaningful historic city – a result of ongoing innovation and dedicated cultural preservation. He emphasized that heritage is not a frozen memory, but a reflection of a civilization that continues to evolve.
He also stressed that the Indonesian government places culture as a cornerstone of national development.
"Within the framework of the Post-2030 Development Agenda, culture will play a vital role in addressing global challenges. Indonesia aims not only to strengthen its position on the world heritage map but also to become a global center of civilization – where the noble values of the past serve as guidance for navigating the future," Fadli affirmed.
Mayor of Sawahlunto, Riyanda Putra, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, the steering committee, and participants of the first WASM symposium held in Penang, Malaysia, for entrusting Sawahlunto to host the second edition.
"Sawahlunto is a small city located in the heart of Sumatra, rich in both natural and cultural heritage. This city reflects the legacy of the industrial revolution that once changed the world and holds outstanding universal value – officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 6, 2019. We are committed to strengthening this foundation and fostering closer collaboration at both national and international levels," Riyanda stated.
Through its unceasing energy, Bukit Asam is committed to providing sustainable energy – including the development of renewable energy businesses and other sustainability initiatives focused on cultural preservation, environmental care, and community empowerment as part of its contribution to national development.
PT Bukit Asam Tbk's contribution to the WASM event serves as a tangible example of collaboration between the business sector and educational institutions in advancing economic self-sufficiency. This effort also aligns with the theme of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day: "Unity, Sovereignty, People’s Welfare, Advancing Indonesia," which highlights economic independence as a crucial foundation for achieving national prosperity and progress.
