Photo: A staff member explains what it means to protect the ecosystem to the children in Banamepe Village, Mappi Regency, South Papua.
MERAUKE – Indigenous Papuans see land and nature as their “mother”. Failing to protect both means severing ties with culture and ancestral history — as well as a disregard for birds-of-paradise, cockatoos, and many other local, sometimes unknown species whose lives rely on the environment.
Communities seek to uphold this principle, and PT Dongin Prabhawa (DP) is supporting such efforts through community “classes”, including the one in Banamepe Village, Edera District, Mappi Regency, where nature is home to exotic animals and plants.
At this latest event, DP’s staff members saw themselves welcomed by villagers from young to old. The class, held at one of the houses, soon engaged the audience in discussion.
The Banamepes were encouraged to understand and play their role in the preservation of local ecosystems and protected wildlife, which represent the unique natural heritage of Papua.
“We must safeguard our environment, this means no illegal hunting of animals, and especially protected species, which are going extinct. As part of indigenous communities, you form the frontline of this work,” said Rahmadiyah Idris from DP’s sustainability team on Saturday (3/7/2026).
Photo: PT Dongin Prabhawa’s medical staff conducting a health
DP also dispatched its medical team to hold free on-site screening. As they got to work, some locals went to cook with DP staff members, building camaraderie and harmony among them.
“DP’s visit is great for us. It’s nice to be participating in a positive activity,” said Adam Yame, Banamepe’s village secretary.
With every initiative from the company, Yame hoped to see a stronger synergy of local wisdom, corporate social responsibility, and nature preservation efforts to sustain the rich biodiversity in the long run.
PT Dongin Prabhawa operates under Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group, which has been consistent in its social support for local communities. This support is enabled through what’s called the Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs. (PR)
