On 24 July 2025, the Chairman of the Indonesian Cement Association (ASI), Lilik Unggul Raharjo, had the opportunity to participate in the 71st ACPAC Workshop held in Manila, the Philippines, and was warmly welcomed by the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines.
ACPAC – Asian Cement Producers Amity Club – continues to be an important forum for regional dialogue and collaboration among cement associations across Asia, including those from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.
This year’s workshop was attended by over 70 delegates who exchanged views on the latest developments in the cement industry, ranging from macroeconomic reviews and construction trends to increasingly pressing challenges such as overcapacity, production cost volatility, and the transition towards carbon neutrality.
A consistent theme emerging from various countries was that despite uneven market conditions, many industry players are facing a combination of pressures from oversupply, rising raw material costs, and changing demand patterns. These pressures underscore the importance of cross-border collaboration, particularly in trade strategy, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation.
The ASI Chair was particularly inspired by the collective focus on climate action. Member countries shared their respective journeys towards net-zero emissions, including through the use of alternative fuels, clinker substitution, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) technology, and new regulatory frameworks that are beginning to take shape. Although the paths taken are different, the shared vision remains the same: to achieve a more sustainable and resilient cement industry across Asia.
Workshops such as ACPAC serve as a strong reminder of the importance of regional solidarity. By aligning steps in innovation, policy, and shared ambition, this is not only done to respond to current challenges but also to shape the future of this industry with awareness and responsibility.
The Chairman of ASI expressed gratitude to the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines for their warm hospitality, as well as to all participants for their open dialogue and commitment to collective progress.
