Building Environmental Awareness Through the SEI “Green the Earth” Program

In recent weeks, natural disasters in the form of flash floods have struck several areas on Sumatra Island. Homes have been submerged, roads have been cut off, and many families have been forced to evacuate. This disaster is not merely a natural phenomenon but also a reflection of humanity’s relationship with the environment.

One of the factors contributing to the high risk of disasters is the declining environmental quality in various regions. Forests, which once served as a protective barrier, are now shrinking. Trees, which should be holding the soil in place, slowing the flow of water, and providing habitats for wildlife, are becoming increasingly rare. It can be said that nature is beginning to lose its balance.

It is at this point that we are reminded that contributing to the environment doesn’t always have to be a grand or complicated endeavor. One such example is planting trees, a simple act that is often seen as insignificant but actually has an extraordinary long-term impact. Every single seedling planted is an investment in the environment that will continue to benefit us for decades to come.

Further, planting trees also means restoring forested areas. Forested areas are not merely green spaces, but ecological strongholds capable of maintaining climate stability, water sustainability, and our own safety. The larger the area covered by trees, the stronger our natural resilience becomes in the face of extreme weather and inevitable climate change.

Building environmental awareness isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s also about taking action. We can start with small steps, such as planting a seedling in our backyard, adopting a tree, supporting community greening initiatives, or participating in tree-planting activities in our local area. Every action, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference.

As a show of support for environmental conservation efforts and as tangible evidence of the company’s contribution to the renewable energy sector, SEI has launched the “SEI Green the Earth” program, an initiative designed to replace the common tradition of sending floral arrangements as birthday greetings for the company’s anniversary. SEI invites all partners and stakeholders to participate in this greening program by exchanging floral arrangements for plant seedlings.

The collected seedlings will be planted in degraded areas through reforestation activities involving the company’s media community, the public, and company employees, with guidance from the Department of Environment and Forestry. This initiative is expected to increase forest cover, restore ecosystems, and support sustainability initiatives at both the local and global levels.

In the end, this initiative is not merely a corporate program, but a collective call to action: caring for the Earth is not the responsibility of any single party, but rather our shared responsibility as human beings living on this planet. Every seed we plant is tangible proof that we care, that we want to protect our planet, and that we want to build a greener future for generations to come.

SEI wins Best HSSE Performance Award from Pertamina at the 2025 HSSE Contractor Forum 

Jakarta, (December 5, 2025) – SEI has once again confirmed its position as a trusted partner of Pertamina in the implementation of occupational safety standards after receiving the award for Best HSSE Performance of 2025 at the 2025 HSSE Contractors Forum held in Jakarta.

This annual event, organized by PT Pertamina (Persero)’s HSSE Function, aims to strengthen the Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) culture and ensure alignment in HSSE implementation across all Pertamina Group partnership activities. The awards were presented to high-risk contractors demonstrating the best performance throughout the year.

SEI attended as one of the officially invited companies after undergoing a comprehensive evaluation of its HSSE implementation across various collaborative projects with the Pertamina Group throughout 2025. The award was presented directly by Simon Aloysius Mantiri, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), and Mochamad Iriawan, President Commissioner and Independent Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero), to Ridwan Kurnia, SEI’s Technical and Operations Director, who was accompanied by Gintang Sulung, SEI’s HSSE Manager.

The presence of both leaders underscores SEI's strong commitment to ensuring every operational process is safe, measurable, and compliant with Pertamina’s HSSE standards. 

In his statement, Ridwan Kurnia expressed that this award is a form of appreciation for the hard work of the entire SEI Team in maintaining a safe and professional work culture.

“This award is the result of the collective discipline of the entire SEI team, which always places safety as the top priority. We will continue to improve the quality of HSSE implementation to support sustainable clean energy operations,” he said.

SEI’s HSSE Manager, Gintang Sulung, added that this achievement was made possible by strengthening systems and increasing the capacity of field workers.

“We ensure that every worker understands the work risks, is competent, and is fit-for-work so that safety standards can be consistently maintained. Routine evaluations, training, and an open reporting culture are the keys to our success,” Gintang stated.

The 2025 HSSE Contractors Forum was also attended by 157 Pertamina strategic partners and various stakeholders, including PT Wijaya Karya Tbk and PT Schlumberger Geophysics Nusantara, who also received similar awards in their respective categories.

As part of the series of activities, SEI, along with other contractor leaders, signed the Contractor HSSE Commitment, which serves as a shared foundation for conducting work activities within the Pertamina environment. The commitment includes:

1. Compliance with all regulations, technical standards, and full implementation of Pertamina's full cycle CSMS.
2. Managing activities in a safe, healthy, and high-integrity manner, including ensuring the suitability of labor, tools, materials, and work methods.
3. Implementing the Corporate Life Saving Rules and 9 Mandatory Behaviors.
4. Providing competent and fit-for-work labor
5. Transparent reporting of incidents, near misses, and findings, as well as participating in investigations for learning purposes.
6. Strengthening the Just Culture and open communication.
7. Increasing emergency preparedness and operational security.
8. Supporting efforts for continuous improvement and enhancement in accordance with Pertamina’s provisions.

By signing this commitment, SEI affirms its responsibility as a Pertamina contractor to ensure excellent safety risk management, including oversight of every subcontractor involved in SEI projects

SEI Prepares Employees for Disasters Through Earthquake Evacuation Drills

Bandung (December 4, 2025) — The Emergency Response Team of PT Surya Energi Indotama (SEI) collaborated with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bandung City to conduct an earthquake emergency response simulation held at the SEI office.

In this activity, 19 members of the SEI Emergency Response Team received direct guidance from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to execute a series of employee rescue procedures. The simulation began with the activation of the emergency alarm, the arrangement of evacuation routes, the implementation of self-protection procedures while exiting the building, and the gathering of all employees at an assembly point located at a safe distance from tall structures to anticipate potential falling debris.

Rainy weather throughout the implementation added tension to the atmosphere, but it did not hinder the smooth execution or the seriousness of the participants in following safety instructions. 

Elyana, an HSSE staff member at SEI, explained that conducting this simulation plays a crucial role in fostering a safety culture within the company.

"Emergency drills are conducted to train employee preparedness, ensure everyone understands evacuation procedures, test the effectiveness of the emergency response team and safety facilities, and identify necessary improvements to minimize risks during emergency situations," she said.

She further added, “HSSE hopes that through this emergency drill, all employees will gain a better understanding of evacuation procedures and be able to respond quickly and appropriately when a real emergency occurs. We also hope this activity will strengthen the coordination of the emergency response team and serve as a basis for evaluation to improve preparedness and safety culture in the workplace.”

By organizing this simulation, SEI affirmed its commitment to continuously improving employee preparedness and resilience in the face of potential natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The emergency scenario carried out is expected to provide a realistic picture of rescue procedures, thereby minimizing the risks and impacts of disasters in the workplace and creating a safe, responsive, and prepared work environment capable of handling various potential emergencies.

SEI Wins Safety & HSSE Excellence Award from Pertamina New & Renewable Energy

Jakarta, (November 26, 2025) — PT Surya Energi Indotama (SEI) has once again achieved a significant milestone by winning the Safety & HSSE Excellence award at the Supplier Engagement Day 2025, organized by Pertamina New & Renewable Energy. The event, themed “Stronger Together: Building Sustainable Partnership,” was held as a form of appreciation and to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the Pertamina New & Renewable Energy Subholding and its partner companies

This award was presented to SEI as recognition of the company’s strong commitment to implementing superior occupational safety standards, consistent Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) management, and continuous efforts to create a safe work environment on every solar energy project it undertakes. This achievement also reflects SEI’s integrity in ensuring that all operational processes follow strict, innovative, and risk-prevention-oriented safety procedures.

Through this award, SEI further affirms its role as a trusted partner of Pertamina New & Renewable Energy in supporting the development of clean energy that is not only efficient but also safe and sustainable. SEI is committed to continuously improving the quality of HSSE implementation across all lines of operation areas, as well a continuing strategic collaborations with various stakeholders to deliver renewable energy solutions that benefit both the industry and society.

With this award, SEI extends its appreciation to all those who have supported  and reaffirms its commitment to continuing to play a role in the safe, professional, and sustainable clean energy transition.

SEI’s Board of Commissioners Conducts a Working Visit to PT Polyfin Canggih to Review the Use of Rooftop Solar Power Plants

Bandung (Nov 25, 2025) — The SEI Board of Commissioners conducted a working visit to a rooftop solar power plant (PLTS) project at PT Polyfin Canggih. The event was attended by the Board of Commissioners, Directors, Committees, and other SEI officials, with the delegation being welcomed directly by the management team of PT Polyfin Canggih. 

This visit served as a key moment for SEI to inspect the progress and performance of one of its investment projects that has been under development since 2022. As an implementation of SEI's clean energy initiatives, the Polyfin Rooftop PLTS plays a vital role in driving energy efficiency and supporting industrial sustainability

Currently, the 2 MWp capacity solar plant is being optimally used to support the daily operations of PT Polyfin Canggih’s production facility. Since it began operating, the installation is estimated to produce 3,021.96 MWh of energy per year through a Build, Own & Transfer (BOT) partnership between SEI and Polyfin, making it a major contributor to the company’s energy savings.

During the rooftop inspection, the Board received a thorough briefing on system performance and real-time energy monitoring. To date, 3,726 solar modules, each with a capacity of 545 Wp, have been installed and are operating steadily. The presence of these modules significantly reduces reliance on conventional electricity while also lowering carbon emissions.

Polyfin's management explained that utilizing this PLTS is a concrete step toward implementing sustainable industrial practices. In response, SEI reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing service quality and expanding strategic partnerships within the renewable energy sector.

The visit concluded with an open dialogue between the two companies. SEI hopes that this strengthened relationship will provide long-term benefits for Polyfin’s operations while accelerating the national industry's transition toward clean energy.

SEI Signs International Strategic Partnership at the 2025 World Young Scientist Summit

Wenzhou, China (October 25, 2025) — PT Surya Energi Indotama once again reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international collaboration in the field of renewable energy. Represented by Khanestyo, Director of Marketing and Business Development, SEI officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the International Academicians Science & Technology Innovation Centre during the AI Integration and Innovation Development Forum, a key event under the 2025 World Young Scientist Summit held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

This prestigious international forum gathered leading scientists, academics, and global industry players from the energy and technology sectors to discuss the innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in renewable energy, manufacturing, and sustainable materials.

Through this partnership, SEI and its strategic partners will focus on advancing digital technologies and artificial intelligence to support the clean energy transition and enhance global energy system efficiency.

Khanestyo stated that this collaboration marks an important milestone for SEI in expanding its international innovation network and strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global green energy landscape.

“This collaboration is not only about technology, but also about building a sustainable energy future through global synergy. SEI aims to bring Indonesia’s solar energy expertise and spirit to the world stage,” said Khanestyo, Director of Marketing and Business Development at SEI.

Through this partnership, the parties will work together to connect Wenzhou and Indonesia with global networks of advanced energy technology, enhancing knowledge exchange, joint research, and the development of AI-based digital platforms that contribute to achieving the Net Zero Emission target.

SEI’s participation in this international forum is part of the company’s long-term strategy to drive renewable energy innovation, enhance global competitiveness, and strengthen cross-border collaboration in green technology and artificial intelligence.

“We believe that the future of clean energy requires cross-border collaboration. AI and digitalization will play a vital role in creating efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability across the entire energy value chain,” added Khanestyo.

PLTS Roof of the Yarn Factory in Majalaya, Realizing Environmentally Friendly Energy

Bandung – PT Surya Energi Indotama (SEI) once again reaffirms its commitment to supporting the clean energy transition in the industrial sector. This time, SEI has just completed the construction of a rooftop solar power plant (PLTS) at the PT Bintang Indospin Industri factory, a thread manufacturing company located in Majalaya, Bandung Regency.

This project was realized through a collaboration between PT Surya Energi Indotama as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor and PT Empat Mitra Indika Tenaga Surya (EMITS) as the project developer. The 802.9 kWp rooftop solar power plant uses an on-grid system, which is directly connected to the main electrical grid to support the factory's operational needs.

Aa Hidayat, a representative of PT Bintang Indospin Industri, expressed his hope that the implementation of solar energy could bring significant efficiency to the company.

Our hope is certainly to save more energy. Expenses can also be reduced, especially in terms of electricity payments, so that the saved funds can be allocated to improve employee welfare.” 

Meanwhile, M. Ilyas Asayuti, as the Project Leader from SEI, added that the success of this project is a tangible step in supporting decarbonization targets in the industrial sector.

“We hope that more industries, especially in West Java, will start to switch to solar power plants. In addition to supporting energy efficiency, this step also helps reduce carbon emissions as part of the government’s program toward clean energy,” he explained.

With the completion of this project, SEI continues to strengthen its position as a pioneer in renewable energy in Indonesia, providing sustainable energy solutions for a greener and more efficient industrial future.

Wattway Solar Road, a Failure That Inspires Renewable Energy Research

Wattwal Solar Road is an ambitious project in France that was once considered the future of renewable energy but surprisingly ended differently. In 2016, the French government inaugurated the Wattway Solar Road, a 1-kilometer-long road paved with solar panels, claiming it could generate up to 280 MWh of electricity per year. This energy was targeted to be enough to power streetlights in a small town with a population of around 3,000 people.

This project, which costs around 5 million euros (equivalent to 83 billion rupiah), has become a global spotlight because it is called the world's first solar-powered road. The hope is that this innovation can pave the way for sustainable infrastructure while also reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

However, the reality is different. The solar panels installed on the road surface are quickly damaged due to heavy vehicle traffic. Additionally, the road surface causes loud noises that residents nearby complain about. Worse, the energy produced is far below the target, while maintenance costs have skyrocketed.

In 2020, just four years after its official inauguration, the Wattway Solar Road project was officially closed. Although considered a failure, the project is still remembered as a pioneer in renewable energy experiments. Many researchers believe that Wattway provides an important lesson that not all innovations can be immediately implemented on a large scale without thorough technical studies.

The Wattway Solar Road case reminds us that major innovations often come with significant risks as well. Its failure serves as a reflection that the transition to clean energy requires careful calculations, ongoing testing, and technological readiness to truly deliver tangible benefits.

Nah, can you imagine if someday this technology is fully developed and can be used properly… would it be suitable to install on Indonesian roads?

Sources: BBC, The Guardian, Le Monde, DetikOto

“Kebun Pangan Jupiter Rahayu” Breaks into the Top 10 in the SAE City Bandung Hunting Competition

Bandung (09/10/2025) - In commemoration of Bandung City’s 215th Anniversary in 2025, the Bandung City Government through the Food Security and Agriculture Office (DKPP) held the Buruan SAE competition, participated in by 56 groups representing 30 districts throughout Bandung. There were 27 groups in the large land category and 29 groups in the small land category. One of the groups that successfully advanced to the top 10 finalists is Jupiter Rahayu Food Garden, also known as Buruan SAE Jupiter Rahayu, in the large land category.

This success is inseparable from the usefulness of the food garden for the surrounding community. In addition to being a productive green space, this garden also serves as a source of healthy food that is easily accessible to residents, ranging from fresh vegetables and fruits to processed harvest products. The local community actively participates in its management, so the presence of the garden can strengthen togetherness and foster a sense of environmental care.

The assessment for Jupiter Rahayu Food Garden was conducted on Monday, September 1, 2025, with the presence of evaluators from the Food Security and Agriculture Office.

In addition to the tidiness of administration and the implementation of the 8 elements of Buruan SAE, which include cultivating various types of vegetables, raising livestock to produce animal protein, fish farming, cultivating family medicinal plants (toga), planting various types of fruits, plant and livestock breeding activities, managing harvest results, and planting various types of ornamental plants, Jupiter Rahayu Food Garden adds value by utilizing solar cells on top of the gazebo as a support for activities. This environmentally friendly innovation makes management more efficient and sustainable. It also receives support from and for groups, both government and non-government.

One of the managers of Jupiter Rahayu Food Garden, Tati Suryati, expressed her hope that this garden would become an independent garden capable of meeting the needs of the surrounding community.

“I hope that the achievements already attained will make Kebun Pangan Jupiter Rahayu a self-sufficient garden that can meet the needs of the surrounding community and empower residents to become more caring about the environment.

It should be noted that Jupiter Rahayu Food Garden is one of SEI's flagship CSR programs that continuously promotes the emergence of environmentally friendly innovations within the community.

Through the SAE Chase Competition, it is hoped that innovations and a spirit of collaboration will emerge from the community in maintaining family food security, while also creating a lush, productive, and beneficial environment for the residents of Bandung City.

Vanguard 1, the Oldest Satellite, The First Evidence That Solar Energy Can Power in Outer Space

The history of renewable energy turns out not to have started only on Earth, but also in space. Vanguard 1 satellite, launched on March 17, 1958, is recorded as the world's first satellite to use solar cells as a power source in outer space. This achievement became a historic milestone in proving that solar energy can be harnessed to support technology in Earth's orbit.

This 1.46-kilogram satellite is an aluminum ball with a diameter of 15 cm and an antenna span of 91 cm. It is equipped with a simple solar panel capable of powering its transmitter. Although it stopped transmitting signals in 1964 due to declining power supply, this satellite remains in orbit to this day, making it the oldest artificial satellite still in space.

“The satellite stopped operating in 1964 when the power from the solar cells was no longer enough to power the transmitter.” Matt Bille, An aerospace research analyst from Booz Allen Hamilton who led the Vanguard 1 rescue scenario research, quoted from a Space.com report, Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Now, after 67 years orbiting Earth, a group of scientists, engineers, and historians have proposed bringing Vanguard 1 back home. If successful, this satellite will become a valuable artifact for studying the condition of solar cells, batteries, metals, and the long-term effects of exposure to the outer space environment.

“We are not the first people to have this idea, and we hope not the last.” Bille. “But we have to wait and see if there is anyone capable of assessing whether this historical value is worth the cost.

More than just a satellite, Vanguard 1 is a witness to the birth of the solar energy era in space. It proved that solar power could go beyond Earth's limits, a legacy that continues to inspire the development of renewable energy technologies to this day.