SIG, Sambu Group, and YBDA have inaugurated an eco-building located in Pulau Burung, Riau, where one of Sambu Group’s plantations, PT Riau Sakti United Plantations (RSUP), is located. The eco-building was built using building blocks made of recycled plastic. This initiative is a reflection of SIG, Sambu Group, and YBDA’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and making a positive impact on local communities.
Present at the inauguration ceremony were Angela Lu, President and General Manager Asia Pacific at SIG; M Anton Bagus Asmara, Chief Operating Officer PT Riau Sakti United Plantations (RSUP); Noer Wellington, Head of Market Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Philippines at SIG and Tua Hutabarat, Foundation Operational Manager Yayasan Bahtera Dwipa Abadi (YBDA).
“SIG is thrilled to announce that today, our eco-building project in Indonesia is finally completed and will soon be ready for utilization by the local communities here in Pulau Burung. We truly appreciate our partners who have the same vision for sustainability as SIG. As a leading solutions provider of packaging for the better, it has always been our commitment to give more to the people and the planet than we take. The eco-building marks our commitment to fostering sustainable development and making a positive impact on local communities. We hope that our eco-building will become an asset in the area and that it will be used by the community for positive purposes.”
Angela Lu, President, General Manager, Asia Pacific, SIG
The eco-building is a joint project between SIG, a leading solutions provider of packaging; Sambu Group, one of the world’s largest integrated coconut companies; YBDA, a non-profit organization founded by Sambu Group; and Block Solutions Indonesia, a company specializing in developing sustainable building blocks. It has an area of 7.2m x 16.2m and can accommodate up to 90 people. The eco-building will serve as a common space for people from all walks of life to come together. The purpose-built space can be used for classes, community gatherings, celebrations, and many other occasions.
“Sambu Group has been a partner of SIG since 2007. Since the start of our partnership, we have shared a similar vision towards sustainability, and together we have rolled out several sustainability campaigns and initiatives throughout the years. We are glad to continue growing our partnership through the establishment of this eco building, showcasing that by utilizing recycled material, we create a welcoming and inclusive space for the community living here in Pulau Burung. We hope that our investment in the eco-building will help it become a meaningful contribution that will serve as both a social venue as well as an educational facility as it is located in a school area.”
Noer Wellington, Head of Market Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines, SIG
The eco building is located at Sekolah Dasar Swasta 022 – PT Riau Sakti United Plantation division Perkebunan KM.09, Desa Pulau Burung, an area where Sambu Group’s factory is located. M Anton Bagus Asmara, Chief Operating Officer at PT RSUP said: “Sustainability has always been the foundation of Sambu Group. Sustainability is the foundation because the coconut farmers are not only mere suppliers of Sambu Group, but are an integral part of Sambu Group throughout its 57 years journey. The local communities have grown in tandem with Sambu Group over the decades. We share an ecosystem that benefits one another. And we will continue to share with the community, one of which is by establishing the eco building. The presence of this eco building is a joint effort to provide environmentally friendly buildings that are beneficial to the communities surrounding our factory and plantation. We look forward to seeing the residents of Pulau Burung enjoy the benefits of our eco building to the fullest.”
“As a non-profit organization founded by the same founder of Sambu Group operating within the same coconut ecosystem, YBDA has taken responsibility of being the steward of the local communities within its ecosystem. YBDA’s aim is to improve the dignity of coconut farmers and local community within the ecosystem, which include improving the well-being and prosperity of the people. Public facilities and infrastructure are definitely one of YBDA’s scopes. The establishment of this eco building in our school in Pulau Burung district means a lot for the people as we have now the otherwise missing venue for public improvement and education programs in the future, not just for the children but for the village itself.”
Tua Hutabarat, Foundation Operational Manager, YBDA
Construction of the eco-building was done by Block Solutions Indonesia, an impact business specializing in creating sustainable building blocks from recycled plastics that are purchased from local sources. In addition to being made from recycled plastic, these blocks are lightweight and easy to assemble. A total of 1,274 blocks were used for the construction of the eco-building. If calculated, the 1,274 blocks are created from 3.15 tons of recycled plastic and can reduce 7.3 tons of carbon.
“Based on data, 6.3 billion tons of plastic waste exist on our planet, out of which 12 million tons are poured into the ocean annually and less than 10% of plastic is recycled. Block Solutions Indonesia is here to enable customers to build houses, schools and other structures that are sustainable and affordable by producing blocks made from recycled plastic-waste. The eco building in Pulau Burung is a very exciting project for us because we believe in building a better future for our planet. It has been a pleasure for us to collaborate with SIG, Sambu Group and YBDA in developing the eco building as we all prioritize sustainability in our lines of business, and we hope our eco building will be a beneficial contribution to the community in Pulau Burung.”
Jimmy Hutasoit, CEO, , Block Solutions Indonesia
“Since our establishment in Indonesia in 2002, SIG has continued to carry out various sustainability activities with our partners and customers with the aim of contributing to the preservation of the environment. This eco building is an embodiment of our commitment to sustainability and we encourage the public of Indonesia to live more sustainable lifestyles, starting with recycling their plastic waste. Together with our partners, we’ve been able to build the eco building using blocks made of recycled plastic waste, which proves that the smallest acts of recycling, if done regularly, could result in something significant. Let’s start creating good habits that support sustainability so that together, we can preserve our earth, for the better.”
Noer Wellington, Head of Market Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines, SIG