Conservation Yaki (Macaca nigra): The role of PT PGE TBK Lahendong Area on endemic wildlife conservation in North Sulawesi

¹ PT. Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk
² PT. Pertamina Geothermal Energy Area Lahendong
³ Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center

^* Corresponding author: julian.lendeng@pertamina.com

Abstract

This article discusses the role of Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Tbk. Area Lahedong in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for the conservation of Yaki (Macaca nigra) in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi Province. The Yaki is endemic to North Sulawesi and is included in the Critically Endangered category on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Every company has the obligation to carry corporate social and responsibility (CSR) in its operational area as has been regulated in the act of Corporation (PT) No. 40/2007. Throughout these years the company CSR programme often just aimed at people but often forgot that the surrounding environment also needed attention. Biodiversity conservation becomes crucial as it will give a positive impact to the sustainability of human life in the present as well as in the future. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method where data collection is carried out by observation, interviews, and documentation. The selection of informants was determined by purposive sampling. PGE Tbk. Area Lahedong is collaborating with the Yayasan Masarang and the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center to carry out this conservation activity. The program will be implemented from 2020 until the release of 8 Yaki in 2023 and will continue again for the conservation of other Yaki groups. PGE Tbk. The Lahendong area has a role to accommodate activities during this program. Through this program, in addition to having an impact on increasing the Yaki population in their habitat, it can also become a media campaign for Yaki conservation to the public that Yaki are not food and must be preserved together as endemic animals to North Sulawesi.