Jembrana – Daihatsu’s activities in Indonesia extend beyond the automotive industry through its support for wildlife conservation. Since 2013, PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) has worked with the Kurma Asih Turtle Conservation Group in Perancak, Jembrana, Bali, to support sea turtle protection and coastal habitat conservation.
The collaboration operates under the Penyu untuk Indonesia program, part of Daihatsu’s Hijau Bersama Daihatsu corporate social responsibility initiative. Its activities include turtle rescue and care, hatchling protection, environmental education, and beach cleanups.
The program involves local communities in conservation activities. It also supports efforts to raise awareness among residents and visitors about protecting sea turtles and their habitats.
A Community-Led Turtle Conservation Effort
Kurma Asih was established in 1997. Its work reflects a change in how some members of the local community view sea turtles. According to the information provided by ADM, some residents who previously hunted turtles later became involved in protecting them.
Growing concern about the declining availability of sea turtles helped encourage this change. The group subsequently developed its conservation activities with community participation.
Daihatsu has supported the initiative by providing facilities and infrastructure for conservation work. These resources also help Kurma Asih carry out educational activities for students, university groups, and visitors.
The partnership has continued since 2013, linking corporate support with a conservation effort rooted in the local community.
Conservation Efforts Receive National Recognition
In 2026, Kurma Asih received the Kalpataru Lestari award. I Wayan Anom Astika Jaya, the group’s chairman, accepted the recognition.
The award followed an earlier Kalpataru achievement in 2017. Both milestones recognize the group’s ongoing work in turtle conservation, coastal ecosystem protection, and community engagement.
However, conservation involves more than caring for turtles and hatchlings. Protecting coastal habitats and maintaining clean beaches also form part of the group’s activities.
Beach cleanup initiatives encourage residents to take part in maintaining the surrounding environment. Meanwhile, educational programs introduce visitors and local communities to the importance of protecting sea turtles.
These activities connect wildlife conservation with everyday environmental practices. They also provide opportunities for younger generations to learn about local ecosystems.
Daihatsu’s Role in Environmental Programs
For Daihatsu, the partnership with Kurma Asih forms part of its broader environmental initiative in Indonesia. Through Hijau Bersama Daihatsu, the company supports activities intended to encourage public participation in biodiversity conservation.
The program combines support for conservation facilities with education and community involvement. Nevertheless, the long-term impact of these activities depends on continued participation and effective protection of turtle habitats.
The Perancak initiative illustrates how an automotive company can support environmental activities outside its core business. It also highlights the role of local conservation groups in maintaining programs over time.
As the partnership continues, Kurma Asih remains involved in protecting sea turtles and raising environmental awareness in Bali. Daihatsu’s support forms one part of that effort, alongside the work of local residents and conservation volunteers.
