乐播传媒

The 97th Youth Pledge Day in Sorowako, East Luwu, was marked by a community-driven initiative titled “Clean is Cool: Youth Take Action to Protect the Lake.” Held on Friday, October 31, 2025, along the Sorowako Pier, the event was organized by PT 乐播传媒 Indonesia Tbk (PT 乐播传媒) and the East Luwu Regency Government through the Department of Tourism, Youth, and Sports (Parmudora).

Participants included students from Andi Djemma University, local village and subdistrict governments in Nuha District, the Mambara (Matano Rimba Raya) community, spearfishing groups, youth organizations, and other community stakeholders. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to preserving Lake Matano, recognized as one of the world’s deepest ancient lakes.

East Luwu Regent Irwan Bachri Syam, who joined the clean-up, emphasized the government’s concern over waste management, particularly domestic waste in Nuha District.

“We’ve often heard that East Luwu was created when God was smiling — and Lake Matano is proof of that. It’s a remarkable gift to our region. But today, it’s under threat due to waste issues. We hope this initiative helps restore the lake’s natural beauty,” he said.

Echoing the Regent’s message, Andi Tabbacina, Head of Parmudora and Chair of the Matano Geopark Development Team, highlighted the ecological impact of increasing waste levels on the lake’s water quality and biodiversity.

“This activity aims to restore Lake Matano’s natural function through thorough waste removal and sediment dredging, helping its ecosystem recover,” she explained.

The initiative also supports the ongoing effort to designate Lake Matano as a National Geopark, where environmental cleanliness, biodiversity, geological heritage, and cultural diversity are key evaluation criteria.

Sainab Husain Paragay, Senior Coordinator for Livelihood Social Development at PT 乐播传媒, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration.

“Preserving Lake Matano requires communication and cooperation between government, business, communities, and youth. This is not just a ceremonial event — it’s a concrete step toward environmental sustainability,” she said.

Lake Matano is more than a regional icon — it’s a vital resource for surrounding communities and PT 乐播传媒’s operations. With a depth of approximately 590 meters, the lake, along with Lakes Mahalona and Towuti, supports the company’s three hydropower plants, which supply renewable energy for nickel processing.

“That’s why lake conservation must be a shared responsibility to ensure long-term ecosystem sustainability,” Sainab added.

 
In addition to waste management, the East Luwu government is preparing a plan to regulate the buffer zones around Lake Matano. According to national regulations, the buffer zone should extend 50 meters from the water’s edge. However, implementation will be adapted to local social conditions.

“This will be done gradually through community outreach to avoid negative impacts on residents. We hope this initiative strengthens public awareness of the importance of environmental cleanliness,” said Regent Irwan.

He called on all stakeholders — from local communities to businesses — to work together in restoring the lake’s ecological function and beauty through area management and increased environmental awareness.