Astra Supports the Preservation of Rammang-Rammang Karst Heritage, Realizes a Sustainable Tourism Village

RAMMANG-RAMMANG, MAKASSAR: Nestled among towering karst cliffs and serene rivers, life for the families of Rammang-Rammang, South Sulawesi, has undergone a significant transformation. Once an isolated region, Rammang-Rammang has evolved into a conservation-based tourism village, creating new economic opportunities, improving healthcare access, and fostering environmental awareness and disaster resilience.

Through a community-based approach, Astra has supported local residents via the Kampung Berseri Astra (KBA) program in protecting their natural heritage while developing it into a sustainable tourism village. This initiative empowers the community to serve as guardians of the karst landscape—now recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark—and as the primary drivers of development that is in harmony with nature and their livelihoods.

“Astra is committed to strengthening sustainable social contribution programs that foster national prosperity, particularly in rural areas. We achieve this through the development of Kampung Berseri Astra, driven by collaboration and youth empowerment. This aligns with Astra’s four social contribution pillars—Health, Education, Environment, and Entrepreneurship—to promote community well-being for today and the future of Indonesia,” said Astra President Director Djony Bunarto Tjondro.

The evolution of KBA Rammang-Rammang is deeply rooted in the efforts of Zainal Abidin, the village’s local champion known as the “Guardian of the Rammang-Rammang Karst Landscape.” As the first resident to earn a doctoral degree, Zainal inspired the community to view their homeland as a source of sustainable livelihood. By leveraging social media to highlight the area’s beauty, he paved the way for Rammang-Rammang to gain wider recognition without compromising its conservation values.

As tourism activities grew, Astra provided support in maintaining the local ecosystem. One notable initiative is the production of eco-friendly organic fertilizer derived from bat guano found in the karst. Developed in collaboration with the Local Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), this project helps maintain the fertility of the environment while creating local business opportunities that respect nature.

Previously, monthly revenue from tourism averaged approximately Rp12 million. With the development of the tourism village and the sustainable utilization of local potential, revenue has surged to roughly Rp32 million per month, fueled by an increase in both domestic and international visitors.

In the health sector, residents of KBA Rammang-Rammang now benefit from better-monitored services through the Berseri Astra Healthy Community Card. This program serves as a community health control tool, providing routine health monitoring services, including mobile health services delivered via jolloro boats to reach families living along the waterways.

Furthermore, the Kampung Aman Tangguh program has bolstered disaster preparedness. Residents are equipped with knowledge on pre-disaster mitigation, emergency response, and post-disaster recovery. The knowledge covers flood preparedness, the management of essential supplies, and safe evacuation procedures.

The complete story of Zainal Abidin’s journey in driving change within his community through the Kampung Berseri Astra program is now available on the SATU Indonesia YouTube channel.

Astra’s ongoing commitment to working alongside local champions across the country is in line with the company’s mission to Prosper with the Nation and supports Indonesia’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

For further information, please contact:

Windy Riswantyo
Head of Corporate Communications
PT Astra International Tbk
Telp. 021-508-43-888

 

About Astra

Astra is one of Indonesia’s largest public companies, comprising 301 subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associate companies, supported by more than 190,000 employees. The company’s diversified business model creates synergies and opportunities across industry sectors including automotive & mobility, financial services, heavy equipment, mining construction & energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, information technology, and property. The company has a new sustainability framework which includes Astra’s 2030 Sustainability Aspirations. It will guide Astra in the transition journey to be a more sustainable business by 2030 and beyond. Astra wishes to contribute to the strength and resilience of the Indonesian economy while supporting an inclusive and prosperous society.

Astra has a strong record of public and social contributions through four pillars, which consist of health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship as well as nine foundations to contribute to the growth of the Indonesian economy while encouraging a more inclusive and prosperous society. Established in 2010, Astra’s Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk (SATU) Indonesia Awards program, has recognised the contribution of 726 young Indonesians at the national and provincial level across the nation. The SATU Indonesia Awards program is integrated with Astra’s wide range of community activities through more than 1,500 Desa Sejahtera Astra and Kampung Berseri Astra in 35 provinces throughout Indonesia.

For more about Astra, visit astra.co.id, and follow us on Instagram @satu_indonesia, TikTok @satu_indonesia, YouTube SATU Indonesia, X (Twitter) @satu_indonesia, LinkedIn PT Astra International Tbk, and Facebook Semangat Astra Terpadu.