Nature project raises Rp 203m

JAKARTA (JP): The Back to Nature Project, sponsored by the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Jakarta, has raised funds of Rp 203.79 million, almost double its target of Rp 100 million, hotel spokeswoman Chandrawati A. Hadisumarto said over the weekend.

Chandrawati said that the funds had been handed over to the Balikpapan Orangutans Society in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to help finance the protection of the endangered species.

She said that the funds were raised through several means: hotel guests participating in an optional US$2 donation per stay, painting exhibitions, seminars and contributions from private companies in Jakarta.

The Back to Nature Project, which celebrated its 1st anniversary on Oct. 4 -- World Animal Day -- is jointly run by Holiday Inn and the UK's Green Bear Organization to raise awareness about orangutan protection, she said. (hhr)