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To Rehabilitate the Underwater Ecosystem on Apimasum Island, PT Palapa Timur Telematika and BBTNTC Plant 100 Spider Web Coral Transplants

Apimasum Island - West Papua | November 7-12, 2023 November 7-12, 2023 – PT Palapa Timur Telematika (PTT), the Implementing Business Entity (BUP) for the East Palapa Ring Project, in collaboration with the Cendrawasih Bay National Park Agency (BBTNTC), is collaborating on underwater ecosystem restoration in the Apimasum Island area, one of the islands managed by the BPTN Region III Yembekiri conservation area, in Wondama Bay Regency, West Papua.

The Apimasum Island area is dominated by calm, blue beaches and oceans, with white sand and crystal-clear water, revealing the island's underwater charm. The underwater charm and ecosystem in the Apimasum area include coral reefs, seaweed, several species of fish, giant clams, and turtles.

Coral reef ecosystems are crucial in marine waters, as they play a vital role in the life of marine life, such as fish and other organisms. Furthermore, a healthy coral reef ecosystem can be a popular destination for marine tourism, such as snorkeling and diving, due to its high aesthetic value. Coral reef ecosystems are vulnerable to damage. Various environmentally unfriendly human activities and global climate change have caused damage to coral reef ecosystems, resulting in a decline in the number of healthy, living coral reefs, while damage to those experiencing increased damage. To maintain the condition and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems, coral reef restoration efforts are necessary. One conservation effort that can be implemented is coral reef transplantation.

The purpose of this activity is to assist the Cendrawasih Bay National Park Agency (BBTNC), as the National Park Area Manager, in mobilizing the surrounding community to carry out coral transplantation activities, from preparation, implementation, and maintenance. This was realized by transplanting 100 spider webs (each web contains 10-12 seedlings) as a form of PTT assistance to the natural ecosystem in the area and also as a form of corporate responsibility for the sustainability of the underwater ecosystem in West Papua.

In a press release on Friday (November 24, 2023), Muharso, Head of the Task Force Division, stated that his team is committed to preserving the environment. This collaboration is expected to continue contributing to the environment and communities around Papua. Furthermore, coral reef planting can enhance the beauty of the sea around Apimasum Island. "Apimasum Island is located at the southern tip of Manokwari and currently receives few tourists due to its distance from the city. PTT's commitment to preserving the environment and caring for the surrounding community is demonstrated by carrying out coral reef rehabilitation in collaboration with BBTNTC," he added.

It is known that the majority of the community around Apimasum Island makes a living as fishermen. Over the past few years, due to a lack of proper education, these fishermen have resorted to bomb fishing, which has damaged the coral reef ecosystem. Hernowo, Head of BPTN Region III, Yembekiri TNTC, added that with this underwater rehabilitation collaboration program, it is hoped that it can restore coral reefs and create tourist attractions, as well as improve the economy of the surrounding community. "This activity was welcomed by the village head and the surrounding community, even assisted by 3 (three) community groups concerned with the environment and marine ecosystems fostered by Cendrawasih Bay National Park from Yomakan Village, namely the Mama Ira, Somus & Tapapai Groups," he said. This coral reef transplantation program is a continuation of the coral reef transplantation of 40 spider webs that was carried out in 2021, which is currently in good condition and has become a home for marine fish. The PTT-BBTNTC cooperation agreement is for 10 years and is currently in its first five years.

v In addition to planting 100 coral reef seedlings, PTT and TNTC also released two baby turtles (hatchlings) in the coastal waters of Isenebuai Village, Teluk Wondama Regency. PTT President Director Leon Kakisina named the two hatchlings "Palapa." The release of the two hatchlings and the provision of assistance to the Pibata (Turtle Observer) group also symbolize PTT's concern for the number of protected sea turtles, which have recently been declining due to poaching.





For further information, please contact:
PT Palapa Timur Telematika Public Relations