The SELARAS Foundation transforms coconut potential into a breath of new life for the local economy and turtle conservation in West Papua

KAIMANA – At the eastern tip of Indonesia, Venu Island is more than just a stretch of white sand. To the conservation world, this island in Kaimana Regency is a vital "maternity ward" for three endangered turtle species, one of which is the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)as a critically endangered species. However, the preservation of this habitat cannot stand alone; it relies heavily on the heartbeat of the community living nearby, particularly in Kampung Adijaya.

For generations, the people of Adijaya have lived side-by-side with nature. Approximately 89% of households depend on coconuts for their livelihood. Unfortunately, for years, this "green gold" ended up merely as copra with low market value. Meanwhile, a different issue loomed: the turtles were living under the shadow of ecological threats.

Recognizing the crucial intersection between economic survival and nature preservation, the Sealam Karya Lestari Foundation (SELARAS)—supported by the Cycle 5 Blue Abadi Fund Innovation Grant—launched a bold initiative in early 2025. Titled "Prosperous Community, Prosperous Nature," this program, running from January to October 2025, carried a dual mission: boosting the economy through coconuts and saving turtles through education.

The Transformation of White Gold: From Copra to VCO

Change in Adijaya began in the production kitchen. Through an in-depth survey conducted with the University of Papua (UNIPA), it was discovered that the village's coconut potential was immense but unpolished. "The community had the ingredients, but they didn't have the key," noted the SELARAS field team. That key was Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO).

Through a series of intensive training sessions, 33 residents organized into a business group have now transformed. They no longer just know traditional village oil. Over five mentoring sessions, the skilled hands of Adijaya residents are now capable of producing over 16 liters of high-quality pure VCO.

It wasn’t just about knowing how to make it; they now understood standards. Analyses of water content and free fatty acids were conducted to ensure quality. Furthermore, a major leap in business legality was achieved: the Business Identification Number (NIB) for the Adi Jaya VCO business group has been issued as the basis for obtaining further permits. This is the "golden ticket" for Kaimana’s local products to penetrate the broader formal market.

Protecting Turtles Through Heart and Education

The economic pillar is only half of this success story. On the other side, SELARAS moved to touch hearts and minds. It was previously known that the waters of Kaimana, West Papua, are a crucial habitat for four turtle species: the Green turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, and Leatherback turtle. But the question remained: does the community care about the turtles? The answer was surprising: 87.5% of residents stated they were willing to actively participate in conservation. This figure was derived from a survey conducted by the SELARAS team.

Responding to these statistics, the SELARAS Foundation translated them into various educational programs. Film screenings became moments of social bonding, gathering 139 residents around a single screen to reflect on the future of their ocean.

In schools, 111 students were introduced to turtles not as commodities, but as friends of the sea that must be protected. "Children are the future guardians of Venu," became the mantra held firmly by the team.

To strengthen this foundation, the "Rumah Belajar" (Learning House) was established. Here, 71 children from Adijaya received guidance in reading, writing, and arithmetic (calistung), as well as environmental education. The results were encouraging: one-third of them showed a significant leap in academic ability. This is a long-term investment ensuring the young generation of Adijaya has the intellectual capacity to manage their own natural resources in the future.

Accountability and Hope for the Future

The success of this program is not just about the narrative, but also about transparent governance. Of the total budget of IDR 160 million, fund absorption reached 99.3% (IDR 158,906,832) effectively and on target. This proves that every rupiah was dedicated to the empowerment of the community and nature.

Now, the foundation has been built. Kampung Adijaya has learned to diversify products from simple coconuts to VCO, possesses smarter children, and boasts a conservation-conscious community. The next step is ensuring the market welcomes their products and that the spirit of conservation continues to burn bright. In Adijaya, a bottle of VCO is now more than just oil. It is a symbol of hope—proof that when a community’s economy is empowered, nature will also be preserved.