Employees picketed Gresik's plants not only in Padang but in East Java and South Sulawesi.

CNN: 'THE PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION'

The West Sumatran capital, Padang, with about a million residents, is near the epicenter.

CNN: Hundreds still missing in aftermath of Indonesia quakes

Sea turtle lovers can visit the Ma'Daerah Turtle Sanctuary in Terengganu or Malacca's Padang Kemunting Turtle Hatchery.

BBC: Sustainable travel in Malaysia

If the control of Padang's parent company went to a foreigner, Ibrahim warned, he would take the land back.

CNN: 'THE PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION'

"Dear God, please send down your angels to hug and protect my grandpa in Padang, " said one Twitter post.

CNN: Officials: Indonesia quake toll could soar

Their departure to Padang was delayed after their aircraft developed a fault.

BBC: UK rescue team head to Indonesia

In it, he pointed out that some 126 hectares of traditional land had been granted to Padang to supply raw materials for cement.

CNN: 'THE PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION'

Telecommunications are difficult in the region, roads are cut off, and the hardest-hit area, including Padang, lacks power and other services, Holmes said.

CNN: Hundreds still missing in aftermath of Indonesia quakes

In Padang, an impoverished industrial town in Sumatra, local officials have simply seized a cement plant that the central government wanted to privatise.

ECONOMIST: Devolution isn't working as planned

One of the loudest voices against privatization belonged to Azwar Anas, a retired general, past two-time governor of West Sumatra and ex-CEO of Padang.

CNN: 'THE PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION'

Many people wandered the streets of Padang stunned and dazed.

CNN: Hundreds still missing in aftermath of Indonesia quakes

Phone lines were apparently down in many parts of Padang.

CNN: Officials: Indonesia quake toll could soar

Slowly the students at this highly-acclaimed school will refocus on their studies, but no one will forget that day at the end of September when everything changed in Padang.

CNN: Indonesian school deals with quake aftermath

It is also home to Gresik's subsidiary Semen Padang.

CNN: 'THE PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION'

Some expressed concern for relatives and friends in Padang.

CNN: Officials: Indonesia quake toll could soar

Anas claims credit for nursing Padang out of financial difficulties in the 1970s, and urges Jakarta to give the cement industry the opportunity to save itself - without handing it over to foreigners.

CNN: 'THE PEOPLE'S ASPIRATION'