MIND ID Releases Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Tukik Penyu Sisik) in Belitung to Support Marine Ecosystem Conservation

Jakarta, 4 December 2024 – MIND ID, the Holding State-Owned Enterprise for the Mining Industry, through its Group Member, PT Timah Tbk, is cooperating with the Natural Resources Conservation Institute (BKSDA) of South Sumatera, to release sea turtles at Tanjung Kelayang Beach, Belitung Regency.

This activity is being held every year to commemorate World Wildlife Conservation Day on 4 December, and at the same time, constitutes MIND ID’s commitment to environmental conservation.

The event, attended by MIND ID Director of Risk Management & HSSE, Nur Hidayat Nurdin, is an employee volunteering day in which employees of the company are involved in promoting awareness, as well as fostering emotional relations through environmental conservation.

At least 74 of the sea turtles released came from donations by the local people to the Natural Conservation Institute of Belitung XIII Territory Natural Conservation Resort of South Sumatera. After a health checkup by the Alobi Foundation vet, the sea turtles were released to their original habitat at sea.
  
This activity is also part of the Elevate Together toward Risk Management Excellence Forum Group Discussion of the MIND ID Group which consists of PT Aneka Tambang Tbk, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium, PT Freeport Indonesia, PT Timah Tbk, and PT Vale Indonesia Tbk, held at Belitung Island (Pulau Belitung).

MIND ID Corporate Secretary, Heri Yusuf, emphasizes that this activity is part of the corporate social responsibility program of the MIND ID Group, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The release of the sea turtles is not only aimed at protecting the species but also promoting awareness among employees and the locals on the importance of environmental conservation. We hope that this activity can provide a real contribution to marine ecosystem conservation in the n future,” he said.

Heri explained that the company is aware that the population the sea turtles is decreasing because of predator threat and human activities. That is why, the release is a strategic step to protect this endangered species, while at the same time, supporting their population regeneration.

“MIND ID Group is hoping that this release effort will boost the regeneration of the turtle population, support a healthy marine ecosystem, and contribute to sustainable environmental conservation,” he stated. 
At the same opportunity, the Head of the Belitung XIII Regional Eksitu Conservation Resort, Junaidi, also emphasized that the sea turtle is a species protected by law and has an important role in maintaining the marine ecosystem.

“Conserving the sea turtle population needs collaboration of various parties. We greatly appreciate the initiative of the MIND ID Group in supporting sea turtle conservation through this activity,” he said.

Representative of the Alobi Foundation, Endi R. Yusuf, added that sea turtles have made a huge contribution to maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. 

“Such wildlife conservation should be a mutual responsibility, conducted collectively towards marine ecosystem sustainability,” he said.

This activity also received appreciation from Luthfie Avian, Head of the environmental Agency PPKLH of Belitung Regency, who hopes that the release of the sea turtles can continue as an effort of wildlife conservation in Belitung.