UNAND, ITB, and PT Semen Padang Support SDG 8 and SDG 12 through Regenerative Agriculture for Post-Disaster Economic Recovery

Padang, April 20, 2026 — Universitas Andalas (UNAND), together with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and PT Semen Padang, supported a community empowerment program to strengthen the economic recovery of residents living in the permanent housing area of Kampung Talang, RT 03 RW 04, Kapalo Koto Village, Pauh District, Padang.

The community service program carried the theme “Application of Regenerative and Integrated Agricultural Technology in a Community Garden-Based Post-Disaster Economic Recovery Model.” The activity was designed as a strategic effort to help residents build economic independence through sustainable agriculture that can be applied even in limited land areas.

Head of the ITB Community Service Team, Ramadhani Eka Putra, explained that the program was a continuation of previous interventions that focused on providing healthy and proper temporary housing after the disaster. As the post-disaster situation became more stable, the focus shifted toward strengthening residents’ livelihoods and ensuring that the community could develop sustainable sources of income.

The program was not designed as a short-term training activity only. Instead, it will continue with mentoring until November 2026, during which the ITB team will monitor the implementation process in the field. This assistance is expected to strengthen community capacity, especially among housewives, in transforming available resources into economic value.

Residents received various practical training materials, including hydroponic farming techniques as a solution for limited land, galo-galo or Trigona bee cultivation, and the distribution of productive plant seedlings such as coconut and durian. The program introduced the concept of home yards as a “living refrigerator,” where household spaces can be used to support independent food needs.

PT Semen Padang provided concrete support through organic fertilizer made from maggot-based waste processing, known as kasgot. The fertilizer is considered useful for improving planting media while also supporting circular economy principles. Corporate Secretary of PT Semen Padang, Win Bernadino, stated that the company’s involvement was part of its Social and Environmental Responsibility commitment to accelerate the recovery of disaster-affected communities and strengthen residents’ independence.

Fajar Rahmadoni from PT Semen Padang’s Social and Environmental Responsibility team added that the company’s support was not limited to material assistance. Through kasgot fertilizer, the program also encourages sustainable agricultural practices at the community level and educates residents on organic waste management that can generate economic value.

From UNAND, Head of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Henny Herwina, emphasized the importance of maintaining economic activities among post-disaster communities. She appreciated the involvement of various parties in presenting practical, science-based solutions that are easy for residents to apply, including galo-galo cultivation, chicken farming, and hydroponic systems.

The community showed strong enthusiasm during the training. One resident, Ema, said the activity provided new knowledge and opened opportunities for families to increase income and meet daily needs. With the synergy between ITB, UNAND, PT Semen Padang, and other supporting institutions, Kampung Talang is expected to grow not only as a post-disaster relocation area, but also as a model for independent economic development based on regenerative agriculture in an urban setting.

This initiative supports SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth by helping disaster-affected residents rebuild livelihoods through practical training, community-based entrepreneurship, and household-level income opportunities. By focusing on hydroponics, bee cultivation, productive plants, and integrated agriculture, the program encourages inclusive economic recovery.

The program also aligns with SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production because it promotes the use of organic waste-based fertilizer and circular economy practices. Through kasgot fertilizer and regenerative agriculture, residents are introduced to a more sustainable way of producing food while managing waste as a resource.

Through this collaboration, UNAND reaffirmed its role in bringing science-based solutions closer to communities. The partnership with ITB, PT Semen Padang, and local residents shows how post-disaster recovery can move beyond housing assistance toward long-term economic resilience, sustainable agriculture, and community independence.