Astra develops tourism with nature conservation through Desa Sejahtera programme

Astra’s Chief of Corporate Affairs, Boy Kelana Soebroto, stated that the company is developing tourism alongside nature conservation through its Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA) programme. He pointed to Les Village in Buleleng Regency, North Bali, as an example of how economic development can go hand in hand with cultural and environmental preservation. Through the DSA programme, the coastal village has grown as a community-based tourism destination without abandoning its ancestral identity. Environmental conservation is a key part of the village’s development, with residents involved in coral reef conservation and transplantation, community-based waste management, and compost production. ‘Through Desa Sejahtera Astra, we believe that village development not only drives economic growth but also maintains a balance between progress, environmental sustainability, and the cultural identity of the community,’ Boy said. Business development has been strengthened through collaboration with the village-owned enterprise BUMDes Giri Segara to market local products and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). This economic empowerment based on local potential demonstrates that preserved traditions can evolve into sustainable livelihoods. The efforts culminated in Les Village winning the overall championship at the 2024 Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI) from the Ministry of Tourism. The programme aligns with Astra’s commitment to collaborating with communities to achieve shared prosperity while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia.