Astra develops tourism with nature conservation through Desa Sejahtera programme
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Astra’s Chief of Corporate Affairs, Boy Kelana Soebancoro, has announced that the company is developing tourism alongside nature conservation through the Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA) programme.
“Through Desa Sejahtera Astra, we believe that village development should not only drive economic growth but also maintain a balance between progress, environmental sustainability, and the cultural identity held by the community,” Boy stated in a press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Boy cited Les Village in Buleleng Regency, North Bali, as an example of how economic development can run hand-in-hand with cultural and environmental preservation. Through the DSA programme, this coastal village has evolved into a community-based tourism destination without abandoning its inherited local identity.
Environmental conservation efforts are also a vital component of the village’s development. Local residents are actively involved in conservation activities, coral reef transplantation, community-based waste management, and compost production.
“Astra hopes that the collaboration carried out through Desa Sejahtera Astra will not only encourage community economic growth but also maintain the balance between progress, environmental preservation, and the village’s cultural identity,” said Boy.
Community business development is further strengthened through cooperation with the Giri Segara Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) to market the village’s flagship products and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This strengthening of the economy based on local potential serves as evidence that traditions maintained by the community can evolve into sustainable livelihoods.
Various community empowerment and village development efforts have ultimately led to the Desa Sejahtera Astra Les Village winning the General Champion award at the 2024 Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI) from the Ministry of Tourism.
The programme implemented in Les Village also aligns with Astra’s commitment to continue collaborating with communities to achieve shared prosperity while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia.