PT Pertamina (Persero) through Refinery Unit VII Balikpapan continues\nto strengthen its commitment to supporting community independence in the\nareas surrounding its operations. This commitment is realised through\nassistance in developing the community programme of the Forest Farmers\nGroup (KTH) in the buffer area of the conservation zone of East Waigeo\nIsland, Waifoi Village, Mayalibit Bay, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest\nPapua, on Saturday (25\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
The programme focuses on developing community-based ecotourism, one\nof which is through the construction of homestays directly managed by\nresidents. This initiative is seen as capable of optimising Raja Ampat\u2019s\nnatural potential without neglecting local wisdom and environmental\nsustainability.<\/p>\n
Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero), Nanik S. Deyang, expressed\nher appreciation for the preserved natural potential of Waifoi Village.\nAccording to her, Pertamina\u2019s CSR programme in the area serves as an\nexample of community economic development that aligns with the local\nnatural character.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is extraordinary, because the social programme is truly adapted\nto the environment. It emphasises the management of homestays by the\ncommunity and for the community,\u201d said Nanik.<\/p>\n
Nanik added that the presence of the homestay with eight rooms and a\nrate of around Rp 550,000 per night can serve as additional income for\nthe managing community group. This income can be used to support\nresidents\u2019 needs, including the education of local children.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an example of targeted CSR. It provides economic added value\nwhile preserving the environment and culture,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Chairman of the Saupon Adventure Village Forest Farmers Group,\nZakaria, explained that Pertamina\u2019s involvement in the village began\nwith a recommendation from the Southwest Papua Natural Resources\nConservation Centre (BBKSDA). Pertamina\u2019s support was provided through\nthe construction of the homestay, kitchen, and provision of supporting\nfacilities such as outboard motors and diesel generators.<\/p>\n
\u201cPertamina has helped us through the construction of the homestay,\nkitchen, and other facilities. Since it started developing in 2018, this\nhomestay has continued to operate until now,\u201d Zakaria explained.<\/p>\n
According to Zakaria, the programme has had a significant impact on\nthe community, particularly in improving facilities, transportation\naccess, and sources of income for residents. In addition, the community\nis increasingly motivated to preserve the environment, including\nmangroves and forest areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of the community\u2019s income now depends on this homestay. We are\nalso increasingly aware of preserving the environment such as mangroves\nand forests to keep them sustainable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Zakaria hopes that this programme will continue to be managed\nindependently by the local community so that its benefits can be\ndirectly felt by the residents.<\/p>\n
Vice President of CSR & SMEPP Management at Pertamina, Rudi\nAriffianto, stated that the community empowerment assistance in the\ntourism sector also serves as an effort to preserve nature.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe planned this programme while still maintaining local wisdom, so\nthat natural potential can be enjoyed by tourists without disrupting\nexisting lives and traditions,\u201d said Rudi.<\/p>\n
In addition to supporting ecotourism development, Pertamina also\ndistributed basic food aid to the residents of Klayas Village and school\nbags to children in the areas around the Balikpapan Refinery operations.\nThis aid is part of Pertamina\u2019s commitment to supporting education and\ncommunity welfare.<\/p>\n
Through this CSR programme, Pertamina hopes that Raja Ampat\u2019s natural\npotential can continue to be managed sustainably, so that it not only\nbecomes a tourist attraction but also an inclusive economic source for\nthe local community.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pertamina-strengthens-ecotourism-in-raja-ampat-helps-residents-manage-independent-homestays-1777438362", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }