Derawan, August 14, 2025. Derawan Island, a small island in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, has gained international recognition as one of the prime marine tourism destinations. It serves as an entry point for visitors wishing to enjoy the coastal and underwater beauty. Iconic marine species such as turtles, whale sharks, and dolphins are frequently encountered in its waters.Since the early 2010s, the rapid growth of the tourism sector on Derawan Island has brought positive impacts to the local economy. According to data from the Berau Regency Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of visitors to Derawan Subdistrict, both domestic and international, reached 34,160 people in 2024. However, despite the positive growth, significant challenges have emerged in environmental management, particularly waste management.In 2023, approximately 80 non-residential buildings, including accommodations and restaurants, were actively serving tourists and locals. While playing a crucial role in supporting tourism activities, these buildings also became major sources of waste. On average, the total non-residential waste generated reached 46,105.1 kilograms per day, an astonishing amount for an island with only 44.6 hectares of land.This situation highlights that without a more integrated and sustainable waste management system, Derawan, a conservation area, risks losing its appeal and ecological balance. Plastic waste pollution poses a threat to the health of the ecosystem and marine species, especially the turtles that are an iconic symbol of Derawan and Berau Regency.The lack of a comprehensive waste management facility on Derawan Island has resulted in improper handling of most household and tourism waste. Waste is often burned, buried, or even directly dumped into the sea. This practice not only pollutes the environment but also threatens the marine ecosystem that serves as the backbone and major tourist attraction of the area. "Plastic waste has become a serious concern for both the local community and the government of Derawan Village," said Derawan Village Head, Indra Mahardika.He emphasized that the current waste management system is still very limited. "We need better waste management. The waste is not sorted and is instead directly dumped into the final disposal site," he added.Since June 2024, the Berau District Government, supported by WWF Indonesia and development consultants, has conducted surveys and developed the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development on Derawan Island. The plan includes the development of an integrated waste management system as one of its main priorities.The development of a Waste Management Facility based on the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (TPS3R) concept in Derawan Village is a crucial part of implementing this master plan. The TPS3R will not only serve as a technical solution but also symbolize the commitment to maintaining the balance between tourism development and environmental conservation. Currently, few coastal conservation areas and small islands have waste management facilities, and Derawan needs to set an example for others.The process of building the TPS3R in Derawan Village started from scratch, beginning with the purchase of a 20 x 20-meter plot of land. Legal steps were taken gradually, starting with securing land release letters from the Derawan Village Government and ultimately obtaining the Land Use Rights Certificate (SHP). Intensive coordination with various relevant departments has been carried out, and the construction permit has now been officially issued. The TPS3R construction is ready to commence.Indra Mahardika, the Village Head of Derawan, has been actively supporting each stage of the process. "The legal and licensing procedures took quite some time, more than a year," he said.WWF Indonesia has been assisting sustainability efforts in Derawan Village, particularly strengthening waste management to address the threat of plastic waste to the area and its species. WWF's support also includes guiding the community in changing behaviors related to single-use plastic consumption, improving local waste management capacity, and strengthening local economic initiatives that support sustainable practices."Through the development of the TPS3R, we hope the people of Derawan will be more supported and actively involved, not only in maintaining environmental cleanliness but also in sorting and managing waste as a valuable resource. This participation will strengthen the sense of ownership over the facility and create local business opportunities based on the circular economy," said Dr. Imam Musthofa Zainudin, Director of Marine and Fisheries Program, WWF Indonesia.The TPS3R in Derawan is planned to begin construction at a groundbreaking event in early September. The presence of this facility will not only address environmental and aesthetic issues in the tourism area but also strategically strengthen Derawan's identity as a clean, sustainable, and responsible marine tourism destination. With the TPS3R, Derawan is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable tourism that benefits both nature and local communities.Furthermore, as part of strengthening the TPS3R in Derawan Island, supporting equipment for waste management will be provided to aid daily operations. Training on waste sorting and processing will also be offered to local leaders and community members. The goal is for residents to manage waste independently, even turning it into economically valuable products. Proper waste management will create new economic opportunities on Derawan Island.The hope is that Derawan Village can become a model for effective waste management for other small islands in Indonesia. Beyond infrastructure development, this TPS3R initiative reflects a spirit of collaboration between the community, government, and development partners in achieving sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. The TPS3R procurement process will begin with a ceremonial activity as a symbol of joint commitment to preserving the environment and improving the quality of life for local communities.
Derawan, an island cluster in East Kalimantan, is widely known as a premier marine tourism destination. Beyond its tourism appeal, however, the area harbors extraordinary biodiversity, serving as home to various key marine species that are now threatened with extinction. To safeguard them, a joint team from WWF-Indonesia, BPSPL Pontianak, the Technical Implementation Unit for Coastal and Small Islands Conservation Areas (KKP3K) of the Derawan Islands and Surrounding Waters, and the East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) conducted a cross-sector scientific expedition to identify critical habitats in Derawan waters.Technology-based surveys were carried out from the sky to the seafloor to identify important habitats for protected and endangered marine species. Using drone technology, the team was able to monitor vast stretches of ocean efficiently, including areas difficult to access by boat or divers. Aerial data provided insights into the numbers, behavior, and spatial distribution of species such as turtles and marine mammals—without disrupting their natural activities.Beneath the surface, survey methods such as time swim, photo identification, and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) were employed to visually record the presence of species. The team also applied the Capture-Mark-Recapture method for the giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus)—a conservation priority species classified as Critically Endangered, facing an extremely high risk of extinction.During the habitat survey, hundreds of sea turtles were recorded using the area for nesting, feeding, and resting. Dozens of dolphins were also observed passing through, with mating behavior documented—further confirming the area’s role as both a migration corridor and an important social ground for marine mammals.Even more remarkable, the area was identified as a nursery ground for giant guitarfish. Such nursery habitats are crucial for the survival of juveniles, providing safe spaces for them to grow and develop.In addition, the surveys confirmed the presence of other marine species, including whale sharks, thresher sharks, sperm whales, stingless jellyfish, and abundant reef fish. These findings reaffirm that Derawan waters are a vital habitat for a wide range of protected and endangered marine species, while also holding significant potential for biodiversity-based conservation and ecotourism.As part of the global commitment to safeguard marine biodiversity, WWF-Indonesia has been actively implementing conservation programs in the Derawan Islands. The focus includes strengthening the management of marine protected areas, protecting endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species, supporting sustainable fisheries involving local communities, and promoting responsible tourism practices.WWF-Indonesia is also developing a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Processing Facility (TPS 3R) to support better waste management—addressing household waste as well as waste generated by marine tourism activities.These programs contribute to the government’s Blue Economy targets, including Indonesia’s commitment to protect 30% of its marine areas by 2045. Implementation is carried out through close collaboration with government partners, academics, and local communities as part of a long-term sustainability approach.By positioning Derawan as a model of inclusive conservation that also supports local livelihoods, WWF-Indonesia demonstrates that ocean conservation is not only about protecting nature but also about building a future where people and the sea coexist in harmony.Support WWF-Indonesia in advancing the management of critical habitats for ETP species in Derawan waters—for the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems, the nation’s natural heritage, and the future of generations to come.
In a quiet corner of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, lies a small village that holds extraordinary natural charm—from its rugged landscapes to the depths of its seas. Its name: Rangko Village. This tiny settlement is home to one mesmerizing icon—Rangko Cave. Since its discovery, the cave has captivated every visitor with its crystal-clear saltwater pool and stalactites that hang like nature’s intricate carvings.Yet such beauty cannot endure without the care and love of those who call this place home. With that spirit in mind, and on the recommendation of the local Tourism Office, the community formed the Rangko Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis Rangko) in 2018. The group was established with a core mission: to ensure sustainable tourism in Rangko, especially in managing the conservation of Rangko Cave.The impact has been visible. Tourist visits to Rangko Cave have steadily increased, with nearly 1,000 visitors annually, around 90% of whom are international travelers. This growing interest is fuelled by the cave’s unique appeal and natural beauty. For those seeking the best experience in Rangko, the ideal time to visit is between March and August, when the weather is stable and sea conditions are more favourable.Over time, Pokdarwis Rangko has expanded its reach, embracing more local attractions. Today, Rangko is known not only for its famous cave. In collaboration with WWF-Indonesia, the community has introduced access to other stunning destinations such as Batu Dua snorkeling area, rich with colorful marine life; Pasir Timbul, a sandbar that appears to float in the middle of the blue sea; Gua Intan, a cave that holds silent natural wonders; Toroh Mirah Beach, with its enchanting coastal colours; and Nanga Lumu Mangrove Forest, a vital habitat for coastal ecosystems.Among these treasures, one activity has emerged as a new highlight of Rangko’s tourism experience: kayaking through the mangrove forest. This activity offers a peaceful, enjoyable, and educational journey, where visitors can witness firsthand the uniqueness of mangrove ecosystems and learn about the importance of coastal conservation.To enhance this experience, Pokdarwis Rangko partnered with Kayak Asia Indonesia, aiming to create a more professional, safe, and sustainable kayaking program. The goal is to ensure that visitors don’t just stop by for photos, but truly engage with, understand, and fall in love with the natural world of Rangko.Beyond visitor experiences, Pokdarwis Rangko is also spearheading a vital initiative in collaboration with the village government: the development of a Village Regulation (Perdes) that will govern tourism management.“Through this village regulation, we hope to involve all tourism operators in ensuring visitor safety and sharing accurate information about the destinations,” said Hanafi, Chair of Pokdarwis Rangko. “It will also regulate boat transportation for visitors and include provisions on marine protection, especially in the coastal areas of Tanjung Boleng Village.”More than just a tourism destination, Rangko Village is now part of Tanjung Boleng Village’s journey toward recognition as an OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure)—a status that honors effective conservation efforts beyond formally protected areas. This initiative is driven by strong collaboration between local government, village authorities, community groups, and WWF-Indonesia.However, the path is not without challenges. Public education remains a key hurdle, particularly in introducing the concept of conservation areas to local communities.“We’ve conducted outreach with WWF-Indonesia in Tanjung Boleng, but not everyone fully understands yet. Some still view the sea as private property, whereas in reality, there are legal mechanisms governing marine tenure,” explained Robertus Eddy Surya, Head of the Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency for East Manggarai, Manggarai, and West Manggarai.“This becomes a challenge, as some fishermen feel their space is being restricted.”He also stressed the importance of aligning conservation policies with provincial regulations. If an area holds conservation potential, the approach must convince communities that it can still be used sustainably, as long as it is properly managed and organized.For the people of Rangko, OECM is not just a conservation label—it is hope. Hope that every corner of their village will remain intact, and that each resident can continue to live in harmony with the nature they so lovingly protect.Pokdarwis Rangko stands as a guardian of this dream, preserving heritage and proving that tourism and conservation can go hand in hand. In Rangko, the future is being built—one paddle stroke, one step, and one warm smile at a time.
The Village Government of Welora, Southwest Maluku Regency, in collaboration with WWF-Indonesia, has conducted a study on the carrying capacity of marine tourism in Welora Village and its surrounding waters. This assessment was carried out as part of an effort to develop high-quality, sustainable, and environmentally friendly marine tourism while avoiding the risks of overtourism.Located between the Banda Sea and the Timor Sea, Welora Village is a prime destination on Dawera Island, Southwest Maluku. Welora is already known as a diving hotspot visited by both domestic and international tourists. The area boasts vibrant, healthy coral reefs of impressive size and color diversity, alongside marine life such as giant groupers nearly two meters long, mesmerizing schools of barracuda, and the occasional appearance of napoleon wrasse during dives.In 2020, Welora Village was awarded First Place in the Anugerah Pesona Indonesia (API Award) under the “Best New Tourist Destination” category. A peaceful village with neatly aligned houses and friendly residents, Welora warmly welcomes visitors and often makes them feel at home.Local residents and the village tourism board continue working to promote Welora as a recognized tourist destination. According to records from the Welora Village Government, between 2021 and 2023, a total of 13 Liveaboard (LoB) vessels made stops in Welora, bringing as many as 291 tourists from countries including the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and more.As part of efforts to develop sustainable tourism, the Welora Village Government teamed up with WWF-Indonesia to conduct a tourism carrying capacity assessment, covering both coastal areas and marine tourism activities. The study, conducted from March 20–24, 2024, surveyed four coastal points to analyze beach characteristics and five dive sites to assess biodiversity and marine life.“We are very grateful for this tourism carrying capacity study. Hopefully, the results will help us improve our services and develop essential tourism facilities that are currently lacking in Welora,” said Markus Laimera, Village Secretary of Welora and one of the pioneers of the village tourism initiative.Echoing Markus’ sentiments, Sarjon Walupi, the Village Head of Welora, expressed his deep appreciation to WWF-Indonesia. He pledged full support throughout and after the activity. For him, the collaboration with WWF-Indonesia has further boosted the community's confidence in building a tourism village that aligns with conservation goals. The local community has long participated in efforts to protect the marine biodiversity around Welora—both individually and through organized initiatives.Anastasia Alerbitu, Marine Tourism and Community Officer for WWF-Indonesia in Southwest Maluku, emphasized the importance of this study from a conservation perspective. “Considering Welora’s current tourism potential, it is essential to plan and manage tourism wisely. This assessment provides key data, such as the maximum visitor capacity for each beach or the safe diver limit per dive site. These findings support the goal of establishing Welora as a high-quality, sustainable tourism destination while preventing overtourism.”This carrying capacity study will serve as a foundational dataset for future research related to sustainable marine tourism development, particularly in connection to marine biodiversity. The findings will also support tourism promotion for Welora Village, including dive site maps and marine biodiversity information that highlight the natural beauty and tourism potential of Welora.
Jakarta, 15 September 2022 - Today, Samsonite, the world's largest and well-known brand of luggage, equipment and travel accessories, officially announced the presence of the iconic Luggage Trade-in program which has been running since 7 September and will continue until 9 October 2022. Consumers and customers can exchange their old suitcases under any conditions to enjoy a 40% discount for purchasing Samsonite suitcases specifically for the NIAR, ENWRAP and VOLANT series at Samsonite outlets throughout Indonesia as well as at Samsonite official stores in various new e-commerce course starts on September 12 and is valid until October 7, 2022.
This year, Samsonite is working again with the WWF Indonesia Foundation, as well as partnering with two local environmental organizations, PlusTik and Robries, to provide a more integrated and optimal impact. The Luggage Trade-in program is part of Samsonite's global strategy for sustainability spanning the full product cycle.
Officially opening this event, Nadya Pertiwi, Country Head, PT Samsonite Indonesia, said, “After more than two years of experiencing activity restrictions in various regions, Samsonite is now welcoming the rise and recovery of the world tourism industry, and embracing all the opportunities that arise along with the recovery. This. Not only is environmental sustainability built into our culture, but Samsonite is also committed to continuing to prioritize innovation. Along with the development of the Samsonite brand, we continue to innovate in presenting travel solutions and programs that are made with consumers and the environment in mind. The return of the Luggage Trade-in program is clear evidence of Samsonite's commitment to playing a role in environmental sustainability.”
Satish Peerubandi, Vice President, Samsonite Southeast Asia, said, “We recognize the importance of acting with environmental sustainability in mind. Today, we see that the responsibility for sustainability commitments has shifted to the shoulders of organizations or companies. Therefore, Samsonite's task is not only to utilize innovation to produce the best products, but also to use innovation - a mindset - to contribute to sustainability, so that this generation can inherit a better world for future generations. We are excited to once again present the Luggage Trade-in program. We are also confident of the successful partnership with the WWF Indonesia Foundation and PlusTik which will be able to bridge our sustainability goals with their sustainability leadership."
The Luggage Trade-in program also strengthens Samsonite's strategy in implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles which cover the entire product development journey that contributes to reducing environmental impact, to lead the industry in terms of environmental attribution.
Hazlina Dayangku, Head of Marketing & Brand Strategy, Samsonite Southeast Asia, explained, “The Luggage Trade-in Program is part of Samsonite's long-term global strategy that focuses on the product life cycle - from the design and production of durable and durable products, the company's role in reduce the impact on the planet, and ensure the involvement of people, partners and all stakeholders, so as to benefit from this integrated and continuous progress. Through the Luggage Trade-in program, we want to be a counterweight to the throwaway culture, by using key innovations to find ways to combine responsibly and sustainably sourced materials, and help reduce the burden on landfills.”
Under this program, Samsonite will donate IDR 100,000 from each transaction resulting from the trade-in program to the WWF Indonesia Foundation through the Signing Blue program which focuses on protecting natural resources and encouraging the development of a responsible marine tourism system in Indonesia.
Imam Musthofa, Head of Marine & Fisheries Program, Yayasan WWF Indonesia also said, “We are pleased to be collaborating with one of the biggest brands in the travel industry as part of our commitment to protecting the environment. This collaboration is a great opportunity to raise awareness of environmental impact and how we can engage more people to make smart and sustainable choices in their everyday lives. Hopefully this program can bring positive changes to create a more sustainable world for future generations.”
Samsonite has gone through a long journey with full responsibility, however, in order to promote long-term sustainability, it certainly requires the active participation of all parties, including business people and the community. Therefore, Samsonite is also working with local environmental organizations, PlusTik and Robries, to increase awareness of environmental issues and encourage more people who will make a positive contribution to sustainability.
When asked about the continuation of all the old luggage that has been collected from this program, Reza Hasfinanda, Founder of PlusTik explained, "At PlusTik, we believe that every small step taken to reduce the amount of plastic waste is very meaningful. Through the Luggage Trade-in program, we will ensure that your old suitcase will not end up abandoned in a landfill, but instead be processed by recycling the plastic material into a non-single use product, namely paving blocks which are planned to be installed to protect mangroves in tourist parks. PIK mangroves. PlusTik and Samsonite share the same passion for sustainability, and we believe that together we can achieve a bigger goal to protect and preserve the environment."
Now, the world is opening again with a new enthusiasm that makes people care more about what the world of tourism has to offer, such as a wider perspective, tolerance, and appreciation for the beauty of nature and the environment. Samsonite will continue to inspire travelers with innovation, premium quality products, iconic designs, while continuing to actively promote responsible practices for a sustainable future.
Indonesia has always been a maritime country. In the past, most of its people made a living from ocean travel. Indonesian phinisi ships were well known in various parts of the world, and that continues till this day. The abundance of Indonesian agricultural products is traded using ocean routes, these famous routes, used for thousands of years, have made Indonesia an icon for maritime trade. Today, marine tourism opportunities are developing throughout the Indonesian archipelago, allowing tourists to visit evermore beautiful destinations.
SeaTrek is a sailing tourism company that was founded in 1990, they started with one sailing ship “Katharina” and added another ship in 2010 called “Ombak Putih” to meet the growing demands of the sailing tourism industry. These two tourist ships are classified as a cultural heritage ship of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO, operating in the Central and Eastern parts of Indonesia, following in the footsteps of the adventurer Alfred Russel Wallace, a Welsh explorer geographer and anthropologist, who explored Central and Eastern Indonesia in 1859. SeaTrek ships sail according to the zoning map recommended by the Indonesian government, namely Wakatobi in Sulawesi, Komodo National Park in the waters of Labuan Bajo, Flores, and Bird's Head Seascape Raja Ampat Marine Protected Area, Alor Marine Protected Area, and also stop by some beautiful islands between these places.
Signing Blue is an idea from WWF-Indonesia, a program for the improvement of marine tourism based on three pillars, namely aspects of the natural environment in terms of marine diversity and reduction of the ecological footprint, socio-cultural aspects, and aspects of management effectiveness. These pillars are in line with SeaTrek's mission to become a better, more environmentally responsible and sustainable ship operator. SeaTrek joined Signing Blue in 2017.
SeaTrek's Katharina and Ombak Putih have made significant improvements in their food division by regularly holding meetings with the Signing Blue team to discuss sustainable and suitable seafood options. SeaTrek buys seafood from local fishermen with strict conditions, namely only buying fish that are already mature so that they do not pose a threat of extinction. It also avoids some sensitive and endangered species and pays attention to the size of the fish according to the Signing Blue standards. It doesn't stop there, SeaTrek can also meet the needs of different dining styles of its guests, such as vegetarian, halal, and so on. Food ingredients such as vegetables and fruits are obtained from local farmers to help the local economy.
Good sustainability efforts are carried out by SeaTrek, both on land at their office and at sea on their ships. Starting from eliminating the use of single-use plastic bottles. SeaTrek provides its guests with reusable drinking water bottles free of charge.
SeaTrek strives for energy conservation in the office by optimizing the use of an open-space style office. This means that the SeaTrek office area does not have to use air conditioning units and no need for a lot of lighting. The lighting system in the office also uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are both efficient and last for a very long time. SeaTrek urges guests to save water and electricity by turning them off when not needed, guests are also explained how SeaTrek strives to make each journey more sustainable and puts written signs in the ship's cabin. SeaTrek limits the use of its engines by opening the sails of the ship when the wind is strong enough. SeaTrek also undertakes water conservation efforts as much as possible.
SeaTrek has a good waste management policy and implements waste management activities in the office as well as on their ships. Waste segregation is carried out, the waste is divided into three categories, namely wet waste, plastic waste, and paper waste. At the head office, SeaTrek has collaborated with Eco Bali, a local waste company. Garbage is sorted according to categories on board and cooperates with ports of call for waste transportation. Waste water treatment is carried out on SeaTrek ships using an Oil Water Separator (OWS) machine which is used to separate oil compounds from water. Waste in the form of oil produced by the OWS engine is placed in a special tank and handed over to the local waste manager at a trusted stopover dock. As said by Hata, SeaTrek's Second Engineer, "Water discharged into the sea from ships is completely uncontaminated with oil, this is an effort not to pollute the environment, especially the sea."
Many efforts to conserve the natural environment are carried out by SeaTrek. SeaTrek's ships always pay attention when anchored at certain depths in order to preserve coral reefs that are still alive at those depths. The use of mooring buoys when not sailing is also kept to a minimum. SeaTrek provides its guests with locally made, coral-friendly sunscreens and educates that the Oxybenzone content in conventional sunscreens can damage coral reefs. This makes guests understand and be more aware so that they change their mindset on their next trip.
SeaTrek has partnered with Ocean Gardener on coral reef restoration. SeaTrek management and staff participate in a coral reef restoration program at Sanur Beach, Bali in 2019. This coral reef restoration program is an ongoing program, SeaTrek management and staff monitors coral reefs every two weeks in order to clean overgrown algae and also Drupella Snails, a type of sea slug that feeds on coral reefs.
A good Code of Conduct is very important for marine tourism companies, for example snorkeling tours with Whale Sharks which are a protected marine animal, the staff clearly informs their guests not to take photos using flash / lights, not allowed to touch marine life, keep your distance when swimming, and so on. SeaTrek maintains a good Code of Conduct, and makes sure to convey their Code of Conduct to their guests before any activities involving diving and snorkeling.
SeaTrek also carries out conservation programs on land. For this, Seatrek collaborates with Wow Borneo in orangutan conservation efforts in Palangkaraya, Kalimantan. SeaTrek also collaborates with the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center in North Sulawesi to help conserve the yaki, an endangered creature that is protected by the government. It does not stop there, SeaTrek managed to bring its guests to participate in the Tropical Bear conservation program which is also located at the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center. As stated by Nita, the Operational Director of SeaTrek, “We bring guests to the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center to help create food for the Tropical Bears. This Tropical Bear is a wild animal that is threatened with extinction due to its diminishing wildlife habitat."
Various kinds of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs are carried out by SeaTrek which are in line with the social concept of 'direct impact activities'. Traveling to remote villages is one of the activities in their Scheduled Trips, where SeaTrek provides a Water Filter water filter for drinking water for free to the village head which will later be placed at the village hall to be used by all villagers, as it is difficult for these villages to get clean water suitable for consumption. Moreover, the SeaTrek team educates the village children by giving out books for free, these books are mostly on marine sustainability, such as Ocean Sustainability, Wayan and the Turtle King, and the Sea Heroes. These books are in two languages namely Indonesian and English, this allows village children to learn English whilst learning how to preserve underwater life.
In collaboration with the Pick under the Surface initiative, a program for the distribution of free diving goggles for children has been carried out. The goal is that children in villages, especially those located on the coast, can see the beauty and diversity of marine life and are encouraged to maintain its sustainability. This program has been running since 2019 and has distributed hundreds of diving goggles. Another program together with Pick Under the Surface is to teach children how to swim, as there are still many children who don't know how to swim, despite Indonesia being an archipelagic country.
SeaTrek has succeeded in cooperating with its guests to participate in a sustainable CSR program. One example is the program to distribute free reading glasses to the elderly of remote villages. In this case, it is guests who volunteer to bring or buy the reading glasses. This program has proven to have an immediate impact, as Nita said, “Many elderly people are very happy when our guests are given reading glasses, they admit that they are happy because they can finally see clearly what they have not seen so far.”
Promoting local culture has become one of the contents of SeaTrek's 12-day Scheduled Trips, they often promote local Flores culture, which produce world-famous woven fabrics. In collaboration with local weaving craftsmen, SeaTrek brings its guests to buy Flores woven fabrics as souvenirs or for their private collections. On these trips, SeaTrek also travels to historical places, namely visits to forts from the Dutch and Spanish eras on the Spice Islands of Banda, Ambon, and Ternate. SeaTrek tour guides are also encouraged to tell the rich history of these famous places.
SeaTrek prioritizes hiring Indonesian citizens, particularly local residents. This is in line with SeaTrek's concept of 'Seeing Indonesia Through Indonesian Eyes'. The company also prioritizes the completeness of legal documents of their staff. All SeaTrek staff have an employment contract following the labor laws of Indonesia. Coaching is regularly carried out by SeaTrek for its staff, starting from training on job descriptions to training on survival and nature conservation. There are external trainings as well, one of which is with Green Fins Indonesia, these are related to survival, namely using mooring buoys as much as possible, lowering anchors to a certain depth so as not to damage coral reefs, and processing waste on ships.
Apart from the training programs, SeaTrek's efforts to improve guest satisfaction include making a list of questions about SeaTrek's services when the trip ends. Reviews and comments on Facebook and on the Trip Advisor page become a benchmark for measuring guest satisfaction. A good benchmark proven by returning guests who repeatedly come to join SeaTrek's marine tourism trips.
SeaTrek maintains good safety procedures. Their ships are equipped with emergency alarms. If the alarm sirens, guests, staff and crew must assemble at the meeting point and a headcount is performed, making sure no one is missing. SeaTrek's vessels are also equipped with Light Fire Extinguishers (APAR) and safety jackets both inside and outside the cabin. Alternative evacuation routes have also been provided if the main route is impassable.
Both of SeaTrek's ships are equipped with good navigation systems, critical in the case of a man overboard, as the system will help guide the ship retrace its path. The emergency float tires are equipped with a light that automatically turns on when exposed to water, very helpful in the event of a man overboard at night.
SeaTrek has updated safety procedures during the pandemic. Guests are required to submit a letter of negative COVID-19 result from the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test valid 24 hours before boarding the ship. All ships, especially cabins, have been sterilized and disinfected. SeaTrek's ships are all equipped with hand sanitizers, even before the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, several SeaTrek trip activities were hampered, such as visiting villages, historical sites, and CSR programs. SeaTrek's hope is that the situation will quickly return to normal so that it can carry out activities that have a direct positive impact on the environment and socio-economic culture. As stated by Frank, “We hope to be able to carry out activities as usual soon and bring guests to see the beauty of the bottom and the top of the Indonesian sea, giving guests inner and outer satisfaction because they know that they have made positive changes related to environmental sustainability. and do good things related to the socio-economics of the local community.”
SeaTrek has planned several strategies for positive change going forward. One of them is with the WWF-Indonesia team, namely the Carbon Footprint calculation program. In this program SeaTrek calculates the expenditure of carbon emissions released into the Earth's atmosphere. SeaTrek hopes that this program will be more optimal in its ongoing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint resulting from marine tourism activities.
The return to a growing global economy is the beginning of the end for the pandemic. The community’s positive response, with its renewable innovations, have spawned new opportunities for people from all walks of life. With this new enthusiasm and optimism, Indonesia will get through the pandemic and recover any lost economic growth.
Please click the link to see the profile video of Seatrek Sailing Adventures https://youtu.be/bun_jG-MpqY
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