BELITUNG – In commemoration of World Wildlife Conservation Day on December 4, PT TIMAH Tbk, in collaboration with the South Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Alobi Foundation, the Environmental Agency (DLH) of Belitung Regency, and the MIND ID Group (PT Aneka Tambang Tbk, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, PT Freeport Indonesia, PT Vale Indonesia), released 74 hawksbill turtle hatchlings (Eretmochelys imbricata) at Tanjung Kelayang Beach, Belitung Regency, on December 6, 2024.
This activity exemplifies employee volunteering through collaborative environmental conservation efforts that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Employees from participating companies were actively involved to raise awareness and foster a personal connection to environmental preservation efforts.
The hatchlings, surrendered by the community to the South Sumatra BKSDA Ex-Situ Conservation Resort XIII in Belitung, were released into their natural ocean habitat after undergoing health checks by veterinarians from the Alobi Foundation.
The event was also part of the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) Elevate Together Toward Risk Management Excellence by the MIND ID Group, held on Belitung Island.
Nur Hidayat Nurdin, Director of Risk Management & HSSE at MIND ID, emphasized that one of the group's critical CSR programs focuses on environmental conservation.
"The release of these hatchlings is part of our efforts to protect endangered wildlife, such as hawksbill turtles, whose populations are dwindling due to predators and human consumption," he explained.
He reiterated MIND ID Group's commitment to enhancing CSR programs that support environmental and social sustainability.
"Turtles are a primary focus because they are rare and need protection. We hope initiatives like this can be carried out regularly and sustainably," he added.
Junaidi, Head of the Ex-Situ Conservation Resort XIII in Belitung, stated that green turtles are commonly found in Belitung waters and are legally protected in Indonesia.
"We hope this hatchling release will help preserve turtle populations, especially in Belitung waters. Protecting turtles requires safeguarding their habitats, such as avoiding littering in the ocean and refraining from collecting or consuming turtle eggs," Junaidi said.
Endi R. Yusuf from the Alobi Foundation expressed full support for the initiative.
"Turtle hatchlings are vital for the sustainability of marine ecosystems. Conservation efforts must involve many parties because protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility," he said.
Luthfie Avian, Head of Environmental Pollution and Damage Control (PPKLH) at the DLH of Belitung Regency, appreciated the MIND ID Group for organizing the event. He expressed hope for its continuation.
"Hopefully, this activity will persist in conserving turtle hatchlings in Belitung Regency. Several turtle conservation areas exist in Belitung, including Tanjung Kelayang, Selat Nasik on Kimar Island, and Mentigih Village on Pasar Island," he said.
Through this release, the hatchlings are expected to grow into mature turtles, contribute to the regeneration of hawksbill populations, and strengthen a healthy, sustainable marine ecosystem. (*)
