Star Energy’s Pledge towards Environmental Preservation and Renewal
To fulfill its commitment to nature preservation, the company spearheads development initiatives and collaborates with local communities to safeguard the environment and biodiversity.
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Date:
22 Mar 2019 -
Author:
KEHATI
PT Barito Pacific Tbk, in partnership with its subsidiary, Star Energy, is of the view that natural resource management can coexist with environmental conservation endeavors. As the parent enterprise, Barito Pacific upholds a sustainable approach based on three core principles: nature conservation, education, and circular economy.
To fulfill its commitment to nature preservation, the company spearheads development initiatives and collaborates with local communities to safeguard the environment and biodiversity.
The subsidiary of this entity, known as Star Energy Geothermal Salak Ltd (SEGS), has been honored with an award bestowed by the Center for Entrepreneurship, Change & Third Sector (CECT) at Trisakti University in Jakarta. The award received by SEGS falls within the category of Project-Based CSR & Sustainable Inclusive Business (Non-Publicly) for Listed Companies.
Within this specific category, SEGS gained recognition as a Community-Based Environmental Guardian for its exceptional efforts in promoting environmental protection through the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities within the operational area of the Mount Salak Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Sukabumi, West Java.
Following a rigorous evaluation performed by a panel of esteemed professionals and practitioners in the fields of business and CSR, SEGS’ Green Corridor Initiative (GCI) program was acknowledged for its substantial contribution towards the preservation and conservation of the environment and biodiversity within the Mount Halimun Salak forest area – the largest tropical rainforest found on Java island.
Covering an expansive expanse of over 113,357 hectares, this region accommodates a diverse range of flora and fauna within multiple ecosystems. From lowland and valley forests to highland terrain, it also embraces Elfin moss habitats, fostering a thriving habitat for thousands of species.
This region is also home to three critically endangered species of fauna, namely the Javan eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi), leopard (Panthera pardus melas), and Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch). The corridor forest habitat, which connects the protected tropical rainforests of Mount Salak and Mount Halimun, plays a crucial role in supporting the ecosystems of both forests. In addition to its rich biodiversity, the area serves as a vital water source, essential for the survival and well-being of local communities and urban residents in the vicinity.
Unfortunately, the environmental integrity of this area is currently under threat due to extensive deforestation activities and illegal acquisition of forest land.
There are three primary components of this program: habitat restoration covering approximately 270 ha, community empowerment involving more than 100 families, and an integrated social campaign that includes the publication of the book “Mount Halimun Salak National Park,” volunteer activities, and publications in local and national media. These activities are aimed at promoting sustainability and conservation efforts.
To execute these activities, we collaborate with the Mount Halimun-Salak National Park and the Eagle Sanctuary partnership network. One specific initiative is the establishment of an Eagle Sanctuary specifically for the Javan eagle species (Nisaetus bartelsi), which is classified as a threatened species.
Creating the Eagle Sanctuary marks the initial stage in forming a well-connected professional network involving various stakeholders. This network aims to support education, research, and conservation efforts for eagles and their natural habitat.
As part of the program, there are additional initiatives aimed at raising public awareness regarding the significance of biodiversity within the Mount Hali Mun Salak National Park.
During the period of 2019-2020, a subsequent project was developed to restore approximately 130 hectares of forest. This undertaking involved over 100 households, who actively participated in preserving and rejuvenating the forest corridors. The program also sought to enhance income opportunities for these families through eco-friendly agricultural practices conducted outside the boundaries of the protected forest zones.
Papandayan Forest
The company, Star Energy Geothermal Darajat II, Limited (SEGD II), operates Darajat PLTP facilities and collaborates with Perhutani and West Java BBKSDA to implement various programs in the vicinity of the Papandayan forest area. As part of their commitment to environmental conservation, Star Energy, alongside the KEHATI Foundation and KPH Garut, has recently entered into an environmental partnership program. The partnership agreement was signed at the KPH Garut Office in West Java, on Wednesday (30/1).
The program focuses on the Papandayan/Darajat Nature Tourism Park and Protected Forest Area in Garut Regency. During its implementation, KEHATI will collaborate with various stakeholders, including West Java BBKSDA, BP DAS, LMDH, Muspida, Muspika, local NGOs, and Islamic boarding schools.
The program aims to achieve multiple objectives, including forest conservation, community empowerment through eco-friendly agroforestry farming initiatives, and monitoring of key wildlife species such as leopards, Javan gibbons, and other endemic animals.
It is considered essential to preserve the Javanese eagle due to its significant role as the embodiment of the national symbol, the Garuda bird. To support the forest restoration program in this region, SEGD II promotes community involvement in nature and environmental conservation, along with empowering them through various programs.
The program encompasses multiple stages of restoration activities, primarily focusing on the Papandayan protected and conservation forest area. This includes the restoration of a vast 100-hectare land, involving the utilization of 60 thousand natural seeds. In order to ensure the success of this endeavor, training activities emphasizing seedlings and seed selection, seeding, as well as planting and care (including replanting) are conducted.
To ensure biodiversity in the area, SEGD II conducts animal monitoring through the installation of camera traps at various locations considered as routes and roaming areas. These protection programs are aligned with Star Energy’s management of geothermal operations. The company’s commitment to preserving environmental sustainability is integrated into its operations, ensuring both operational and environmental sustainability are maintained simultaneously.
Source: http://mediaindonesia.com/read/detail/224518-komitmen-star-energy-untuk-konservasi-dan-restorasi-lingkungan