**Collaboration by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) in Lahendong for Wildlife Rehabilitation in North Sulawesi**
Tomohon, July 29, 2024 – PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO) in the Lahendong area continues to advance environmental protection initiatives, one of which includes ensuring the preservation of biodiversity in its working area. This initiative is reflected in the collaboration between PGE Lahendong Area, the Tomohon City Government, the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (Balai KSDA), and the Masarang Foundation through the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center (PPS) in the form of adding facilities and educational resources at the Mount Masarang Yaki Monkey Rehabilitation Center (PRMY) to support the rehabilitation process and the sustainable life of Yaki monkeys in their natural habitat.
**Protecting Endangered Species**
General Manager of PGE Lahendong Area, Albertus Novi Purwono, expressed that this collaboration continues the conservation efforts for Yaki monkeys that the company has been carrying out since 2020. “Protecting the Yaki monkey species, as an important part of Indonesia’s natural wealth, is our initiative to preserve nature and its ecosystems,” said Albertus Novi Purwono.
PGE Lahendong Area actively collaborates with various parties in this conservation effort, previously with the Masarang Foundation and the provincial government, in this case, through the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency. This collaboration has successfully provided conservation for 18 Yaki monkeys, of which eight have been released into the Ambang Mountain Nature Conservation Park in 2023.
**Endangered Species and Habitat Conservation**
Yaki monkeys (Macaca nigra) are one of the endemic species of North Sulawesi that has been excessively exploited by humans through trade, hunting, and consumption. Their habitat is increasingly shrinking due to deforestation and land conversion for human settlements and economic activities, further endangering the species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) classification, Yaki monkeys are classified as “critically endangered.”
**Corporate Commitment to Environmental Conservation**
Welcoming this collaboration, Corporate Secretary of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, Kitty Andhora, emphasized that the company will continue to be committed to preserving the environment, especially in adhering to the principles of Environment within the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. “PGE continuously pays attention to environmental protection and sustainability in every line of its business and operations, and strives to maintain the abundance of flora and fauna in Indonesia. We believe that the utilization of geothermal energy as a green energy source with abundant potential in Indonesia will contribute to reducing environmental degradation and disturbances to the ecosystems living within it. We are optimistic that PGE will play a significant role in the sustainable development of Indonesia,” concluded Kitty Andhora.
