MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Government of North Sumatra Province has urged PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) to further expand its contribution to improving the quality of education for local communities and strengthening environmental protection efforts in the Lake Toba area.
These efforts are considered an important step toward improving the quality of life of surrounding communities, ensuring ecological sustainability, and at the same time supporting the stability of the company's production supply chain.
The statement was delivered by Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya during a meeting with PT Inalum President Director Melati Sarnita at his office in the North Sumatra Governor's Office, located at Jalan Pangeran Diponegoro No. 30, Medan, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
The meeting was attended by several heads of regional government agencies from the North Sumatra Provincial Government as well as representatives from PT Inalum's management team. During the discussion, Surya and company representatives explored various opportunities for cooperation between the regional government and the company to support social development and environmental conservation around Lake Toba.
Inalum's CSR Role in Education Sector Needs to Be Strengthened
Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya called on PT Inalum to optimize its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to help improve educational infrastructure at schools located around Lake Toba.
According to Surya, many educational facilities still require support that cannot be fully accommodated through either the regional budget or the national budget. Therefore, corporate involvement through CSR programs can provide additional assistance to improve the quality of education.
"Inalum can collaborate with regional governments and provide support for schools in the Lake Toba area, particularly for additional facilities whose funding has not been allocated through regional or state budgets," Surya said.
He explained that such support could include the provision of educational facilities such as laboratories, additional classrooms, and other infrastructure aimed at improving the learning process.
Surya emphasized that improving education quality is a key factor in developing skilled human resources, particularly for communities living around the company's operational areas.
In addition to the education sector, Surya also expects PT Inalum to continue supporting local communities through the recruitment of regional workers.
He recalled his experience as a teacher at STM Budi Darma in 1975, when many of his students had the opportunity to work at a company engaged in aluminum smelting, processing, and downstream production activities.
According to Surya, the presence of PT Inalum has provided significant benefits for the people of North Sumatra, not only through industrial activities but also by creating employment opportunities and improving community welfare.
EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT: Deputy Governor of North Sumatra Surya urges PT Inalum to optimize CSR programs to improve educational facilities for communities around Lake Toba. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Strengthening Commitment to Lake Toba Environmental Protection
Apart from requesting greater support in the education sector, the North Sumatra Provincial Government has also encouraged PT Inalum to expand its environmental conservation programs in the Lake Toba area.
Surya stated that protecting the Lake Toba watershed area (Daerah Tangkapan Air/DTA) is a crucial effort to maintain ecosystem stability and preserve the livelihoods of local communities.
He expressed hope that PT Inalum would continue implementing various environmental programs, including tree planting, watershed protection, and efficient water management initiatives.
According to him, environmental sustainability must go hand in hand with development and industrial activities so that the benefits can be enjoyed by communities in the long term.
"Environmental protection must continue to be strengthened because Lake Toba is one of North Sumatra's most important assets that must be preserved together," Surya said.
He emphasized that collaboration between the government, companies, and communities is the key to maintaining the sustainability of the Lake Toba area.
COMMITMENT TO WATERSHED PROTECTION: PT Inalum President Director Melati Sarnita explains the company's commitment to protecting the Lake Toba watershed through tree planting and various environmental conservation programs. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Inalum Targets Reforestation on 500 Hectares of Land
PT Inalum President Director Melati Sarnita stated that the company remains committed to protecting the Lake Toba watershed as a source of life for present and future generations.
Melati said PT Inalum continues to implement various environmental programs as part of its responsibility toward areas surrounding the company's operational sites.
These programs include tree planting, seedling cultivation, the construction of biopores and infiltration wells, environmentally friendly school initiatives, forest fire prevention efforts, and biodiversity garden programs (Taman Keanekaragaman Hayati/Kehati).
"The planting programs are being implemented gradually in various areas around Lake Toba. This year, the target covers 500 hectares within the watershed area. The selected plant species are determined based on soil suitability and ecological value. Some species are intended to prevent erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase vegetation coverage," she explained.
Melati said the selection of plant species takes into account the conditions of each area and the ecological benefits that can be generated. The program is expected to help reduce erosion risks, improve soil water absorption capacity, and expand green areas around Lake Toba.
Through these various environmental programs, PT Inalum is committed to maintaining a balance between industrial development and nature conservation. The company also continues to provide opportunities for cooperation with the North Sumatra Government and local communities to strengthen Lake Toba protection efforts.
This collaboration is expected to create sustainable positive impacts through improving education quality, generating employment opportunities, and strengthening environmental conservation in one of North Sumatra's strategically important regions. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala