By: Shera Fanesha & Natalia T. Agnika

On Friday (13/05), WWF-Indonesia and Lotte Mart released 100 hatchlings at Pangumbahan Beach, Ujung Genteng, Sukabumi. This ceremonial activity was the inauguration of Lotte Mart's collaboration and support for WWF-Indonesia's Turtle Hope program. Turtle Hope is WWF-Indonesia's program in Pangumbahan Beach, Sukabumi, to increase the population of nesting turtles and hatchlings released to the sea. The program provides opportunities for concerned parties to contribute to the effort to restore natural sea turtle nesting by adopting sea turtle nests. The adopted nests will be closely guarded by patrol teams empowered from local community groups. Not only that, the nests will also be marked with coordinates (tagging) so that they can be monitored virtually through geotagging.

Lotte Mart is a pioneer corporation committed to support Turtle Hope program and help increase the population of sea turtles in Indonesia. In the partnership, Lotte Mart committed to adopt 40 green turtle nests until the eggs hatch and return to the sea. "The Turtle Hope program is not only one of Lotte Mart's CSR activities, but also a form of Lotte Mart's concern for the green turtle population that is almost extinct in the world," said Jukyang Yoon, CEO of Lotte Mart Indonesia.

Turtles are very sensitive animals, especially when laying eggs. They are very susceptible to sound and light. If disturbed, turtles will abort laying eggs and return to the sea. The eggs that have been successfully released still have to face various threats. They must fight to protect themselves from attacks by predators, ranging from reptiles, birds, to humans.

Head of UPTD Pengumbahan, Ahman Setyawan, who also attended the event added, "There were times of struggle and difficult times in saving sea turtles and Alhamdulillah, UPTD has been able to run better and continue." A representative from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Setiono, said that the government has a duty to provide guidance related to conservation. "Our goal is that natural resources are protected but the welfare of the community can also be fulfilled in terms of the economy. Hopefully all parties can contribute to effective management," he explained.

Sea turtles are at risk of extinction, so sea turtle conservation is very important. "Currently all sea turtle species have been included in the endangered species group and are in the Red List Data Book according to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources)," said WWF-Indonesia Coral Triangle Program Director, Wawan Ridwan. WWF-Indonesia gives great appreciation to Lotte Mart for its support to Turtle Hope program. "Hopefully this cooperation can continue to be improved and can collaborate with other companies," he hoped.