From Logging to Ecotourism Guiding: The Story of Ritno Kurniawan, the Driving Force Behind Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai

PADANG PARIAMAN, WEST SUMATRA: The transformation of Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai, in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, began with a single step taken by one of its own, Ritno Kurniawan. Like most people in his village at the time, Ritno once made his living from logging in the surrounding forest. Today, he has become one of the principal driving forces behind Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai, leading the development of an ecotourism model that places environmental conservation at its core while strengthening the local economy.

In those earlier years, most villagers depended on logging for their income, earning around Rp100.000 per haul, typically three times a week. Beyond financial limitations, the work carried serious safety risks and posed a significant threat of environmental damage to the protected Bukit Barisan range.

Recognizing Nyarai's remarkable natural assets, scenic trekking trails, natural pools and freshwater plunge pools, and whitewater rafting routes, Ritno began advocating for community-based tourism development. Through a persuasive, hands-on approach and direct field mentoring, the community gradually opened up to the new opportunities that responsible nature tourism could offer.

"The Nyarai area, located within the Bukit Barisan I zone, holds tremendous natural tourism potential. Previously, around 80% of the community relied on logging for income, work that carried high safety risks and caused significant environmental damage. Through consistent mentoring, the community has grown confident in their new roles as nature guides, now earning an average of IDR 400,000 to 500,000 per week," said Ritno Kurniawan, Community Leader of Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai.

This transformation began to take shape with the support of the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, which provided human resource capacity building, essential equipment, and the development of new tourism attractions such as whitewater rafting. Within approximately three months, community members who had no prior knowledge of tourism management standards had developed professional skills as certified nature guides.

Today, the village counts 45 certified whitewater rafting guides and more than 100 community members actively involved in managing the tourism area, 25 of whom serve in core management roles. Those who once depended on logging have since transformed into professional, certified nature tourism guides.

As tourism activity has grown, so too has the village's broader economic ecosystem, with the emergence of homestays, guide services, and a range of supporting local businesses. A steady increase in visitors, both domestic and international, including from Malaysia, has further reinforced the community's long-term economic sustainability.

"Astra is committed to continuing its support for village transformation rooted in local potential. The development of sustainable ecotourism in Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai demonstrates that environmental conservation and community economic empowerment can go hand in hand. When communities are given access to training, capacity building, and the right ecosystem of support, they not only gain a more stable and secure livelihood, but they also become active stewards of their natural environment for generations to come," said Astra President Director Djony Bunarto Tjondro.

Looking ahead, the continued development of Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai aims to strengthen a nature-based tourism economy that is both sustainable and community-driven, serving as a model for how local potential can be harnessed to deliver meaningful economic benefits without compromising environmental conservation.

Astra's commitment to strengthening village community empowerment through multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainable local resource management is aligned with its vision of Prospering Together with the Nation, as well as its commitment to supporting the achievement of Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ALSO READ: Desa Sejahtera Astra Program Strengthens Batik Self-Reliance and Production in Singkawang

 

For further information, please contact:
Windy Riswantyo
Head of Corporate Communications
PT Astra International Tbk
Phone. 021-508-43-888

 

About Astra
Astra is one of Indonesia’s largest public companies, with 321 subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associate entities, and more than 190,000 employees. The company’s diversified business model creates synergies and opportunities across various industrial sectors, including Automotive & Mobility, Financial Services, Heavy Equipment, Mining, Construction & Energy, Agribusiness, Infrastructure, Information Technology, and Property. Astra has a sustainability framework that includes the Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations to guide the Group’s transition toward becoming a more sustainable company by 2030 and beyond. Astra aims to strengthen the resilience of the Indonesian economy while supporting an inclusive and prosperous society.

Astra has a strong track record of public and social contributions through four pillars: health, education, environment, and entrepreneurship, as well as nine foundations that contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth while supporting an inclusive and prosperous society. Established in 2010, the Astra's Semangat Astra Terpadu Untuk (SATU) Indonesia Awards program has recognized 792 young Indonesians at the national and provincial levels. 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.

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