Sawahlunto, August 26, 2025 - PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) reaffirms its commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting economic growth in the city of Sawahlunto, West Sumatra. Through the revitalization of historical assets, PTBA has transformed the former mining office into the Ombilin Heritage Hotel, a five-star international standard hotel that is expected to become a new tourism icon in this city nicknamed "Kota Arang" (Coal City).
Asset Revitalization to Preserve Culture
PTBA Director of Human Resources Ihsanuddin Usman stated that this project is a manifestation of the synergy between corporate asset management and cultural preservation. "Collaboration between the central and regional governments is key to ensuring that Ombilin does not only become a passive world heritage site, but also develops as a dynamic center of economic and cultural activity," he said.
This revitalization project aims to optimize the utilization of company assets to increase revenue by converting buildings that were previously used as offices into lodging facilities. Panca Kola, PTBA's Supporting Facilities Construction Project Head, explained that several buildings that have been converted into hotel rooms are:
In total, this revitalization will add 57 new rooms, providing more options for tourists. Currently, the occupancy rate of KHAS Hotel's has reached 85 percent, and the addition of these rooms is expected to accommodate more visitors.
Cultural Preservation and Asset Management Must Go Hand in Hand
PTBA Director of Human Resources Ihsanuddin Usman emphasized that asset management and mining sector development must go hand in hand with the preservation of local history and culture.
"Collaboration between the central and regional governments is key to ensuring that Ombilin does not merely become a passive world heritage site, but also develops as a dynamic center of economic and cultural activity," he said while speaking at the We Are Site Managers (WASM) International Symposium, held on August 24-28, 2025, at the Saka Ombilin Hotel.
The second phase of revitalization, which includes the construction of supporting facilities such as a clubhouse and swimming pool, is targeted for completion in the second week of October 2025. With a total of 57 new rooms, the hotel will be developed as a heritage-themed hotel with 4- or 5-star standards. Various room types will be offered, including Ombilin Suite Rooms, Junior Suite Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms, and Superior Rooms.
The management of this revitalized hotel will be handled by PT Bukit Multi Properti (BMP), a subsidiary of Bukit Asam. "We are currently evaluating whether it will be managed directly by BMP or through collaboration with other parties, considering that we have previously worked with Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG) to manage KHAS Ombilin Heritage," added Ihsanuddin.
The Hotel's Inauguration will Coincide with The 137th Anniversary of Sawahlunto City
PTBA Corporate Secretary Division Head Niko Candra revealed that the hotel is planned to be inaugurated to coincide with the 137th anniversary of Sawahlunto City on December 1, 2025. "For the time being, the hotel will be optimized for internal activities while awaiting the completion of the official licensing process," Niko concluded.
This revitalization is expected to strengthen Sawahlunto's position as a leading cultural tourism destination, drive local economic growth, and provide added value for the company.
Asset Revitalization to Preserve Culture
PTBA Director of Human Resources Ihsanuddin Usman stated that this project is a manifestation of the synergy between corporate asset management and cultural preservation. "Collaboration between the central and regional governments is key to ensuring that Ombilin does not only become a passive world heritage site, but also develops as a dynamic center of economic and cultural activity," he said.
This revitalization project aims to optimize the utilization of company assets to increase revenue by converting buildings that were previously used as offices into lodging facilities. Panca Kola, PTBA's Supporting Facilities Construction Project Head, explained that several buildings that have been converted into hotel rooms are:
- UPO Office Building : 11 rooms
- Doctor's Guesthouse : 4 rooms
- Guesthouse 15 : 5 rooms
- Guesthouse 14 : 4 rooms
- Planning Office Building : 33 rooms
In total, this revitalization will add 57 new rooms, providing more options for tourists. Currently, the occupancy rate of KHAS Hotel's has reached 85 percent, and the addition of these rooms is expected to accommodate more visitors.
Cultural Preservation and Asset Management Must Go Hand in Hand
PTBA Director of Human Resources Ihsanuddin Usman emphasized that asset management and mining sector development must go hand in hand with the preservation of local history and culture.
"Collaboration between the central and regional governments is key to ensuring that Ombilin does not merely become a passive world heritage site, but also develops as a dynamic center of economic and cultural activity," he said while speaking at the We Are Site Managers (WASM) International Symposium, held on August 24-28, 2025, at the Saka Ombilin Hotel.
The second phase of revitalization, which includes the construction of supporting facilities such as a clubhouse and swimming pool, is targeted for completion in the second week of October 2025. With a total of 57 new rooms, the hotel will be developed as a heritage-themed hotel with 4- or 5-star standards. Various room types will be offered, including Ombilin Suite Rooms, Junior Suite Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms, and Superior Rooms.
The management of this revitalized hotel will be handled by PT Bukit Multi Properti (BMP), a subsidiary of Bukit Asam. "We are currently evaluating whether it will be managed directly by BMP or through collaboration with other parties, considering that we have previously worked with Hotel Indonesia Group (HIG) to manage KHAS Ombilin Heritage," added Ihsanuddin.
The Hotel's Inauguration will Coincide with The 137th Anniversary of Sawahlunto City
PTBA Corporate Secretary Division Head Niko Candra revealed that the hotel is planned to be inaugurated to coincide with the 137th anniversary of Sawahlunto City on December 1, 2025. "For the time being, the hotel will be optimized for internal activities while awaiting the completion of the official licensing process," Niko concluded.
This revitalization is expected to strengthen Sawahlunto's position as a leading cultural tourism destination, drive local economic growth, and provide added value for the company.