Former Loggers Transform Nyarai Village Into Ecotourism Hub

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In a remarkable shift from environmental exploitation to sustainable preservation, the residents of Nyarai Village in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, have traded their chainsaws for tour whistles.

This economic evolution, spearheaded by local visionary Ritno Kurniawan, marks a successful transition from illegal logging to high-value ecotourism. It proves that protecting the lungs of the Earth can be more profitable than depleting them.

The journey began with a stark realization of the dangers and low returns of the timber trade within the Bukit Barisan protected forest. Ritno, who once earned a mere IDR 100,000 (USD 5.88) per grueling trip, recognized that the region's natural trekking paths, emerald swimming holes, and white-water rapids were assets far more valuable than the wood itself.

By leveraging the Desa Sejahtera Astra program, Ritno successfully convinced a community where 80 percent of residents relied on hazardous logging to embrace community-based tourism.

As reported by Antara, the financial impact of this shift has been transformative for the local workforce. "With consistent mentoring, the community has begun to open up and gain the confidence to become tour guides, with average incomes now reaching IDR 400,000 (USD 23.54) to IDR 500,000 (USD 29.42) per week," said Ritno on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

This professionalization occurred rapidly as locals transitioned into certified guides within just three months of training. Currently, 45 residents specialize in rafting while over 100 others actively manage the tourism zone.

This local initiative is bolstered by a strategic partnership with Astra, which provides essential human resource training, equipment, and infrastructure for new attractions. The ripple effect has stimulated a burgeoning village ecosystem, including the rise of homestays and support services that cater to both domestic travelers and international tourists, notably from Malaysia.

Astra’s President Director, Djony Bunarto Tjondro, emphasized that this model serves as a blueprint for the nation's future development. "The development of sustainable ecotourism in Desa Sejahtera Astra Nyarai is an example that environmental conservation and community economic strengthening can go hand in hand," remarked Djony.

He added that when provided with the right capacity building and ecosystem support, communities not only secure more stable livelihoods but also become active stewards of their natural environment.

As Nyarai Village continues to strengthen its nature-based economy, it stands as a testament to the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The initiative aligns with Astra's "Prosper with the Nation" philosophy and supports Indonesia's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This partnership proves that the most effective way to save a forest is to ensure the people living within it can flourish alongside it. ***

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