Lombok, W Nusa Tenggara (Antara) - State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno lauded Indonesian flag carrier Garuda for releasing 100 1.5-year-old hawksbill sea turtles on the coast of Senggigi Beach, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, as one of the environmental conservation programs.
"May the release of the turtles also serve as an example to encourage other state-owned companies to undertake environmental conservation efforts, particularly to conserve turtles whose numbers are declining," Soemarno stated here on Friday afternoon.
The turtle release activity on Friday afternoon was also one of the series of events to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the state-owned enterprises.
It was attended by Minister Rini Soemarno, president director of Garuda and president directors from other state-owned enterprises.
Meanwhile, President Director of Garuda Arif Wibowo remarked that the turtle release activity is part of its corporate social responsibility program aimed at conserving nature, particularly to preserve the species from becoming extinct.
"The release of the baby sea turtles is expected to help preserve the turtle habitat in Lombok as well as contribute to providing opportunities for economic development of the Lombok community through ecotourism," Wibowo stated.
Moreover, Garuda has provided scholarships to students of Mandalika Village for training in ticketing and ground handling.
The scholarships were granted to demonstrate Garuda's commitment to honing the potential of the young generation in the tourism sector, particularly in the aerospace industry.
Mandalika Village is a tourist destination located on the south coast of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province.
The provision of these scholarships is expected to generate skilled workforce that is ready to work in the tourism and airline sectors.(*)
