Tanjung Siambang, 8 December 2023 – CarbonEthics, in collaboration with the Tanjung Siambang community, inaugurated the opening of the Low Carbon House (Rumah Rendah Karbon, RRK) in the Dompak sub-district of Tanjung Pinang city, Riau Islands Province. The Low Carbon House serves as a community activity center programmed to facilitate socio-economic and environmental activities for the coastal communities of Dompak Island. This initiative is one of the collaborative programs between CarbonEthics and the Dompak sub-district, representing a tangible outcome of CarbonEthics' three-year involvement in the area since 2021.
The opening event was attended by the representative of the Mayor of Tanjung Pinang, Dr. Susi Pitriana. In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Susi expressed appreciation for the Low Carbon House, recognizing its role in providing education and raising awareness among the community regarding carbon and the significance of environmental conservation. Dr. Susi also commended how the Low Carbon House could have a positive impact on the social and economic well-being of the Tanjung Siambang community.
Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer (CIO) of CarbonEthics, Jessica Novia, added, "The Low Carbon House is established to become the center of community climate solutions. Although CarbonEthics comes as an initiator, the sustainability of social, economic, and environmental impacts lies in the hands of the community of Tanjung Siambang. Therefore, we sincerely hope that the community will always actively participate in the Low Carbon House, and we seek full support from the local authorities of Tanjung Pinang and Dompak, as well as all partners involved." Following the opening remarks, a prayer was offered by the local Elders, and a communal feast or kenduri ceremony was conducted with the residents of Tanjung Siambang.
On the following day, the opening event was further enlivened with competitions such as Malay karaoke contest, recycled creations competition, eco-printing competition, children's coloring contest, and evening of camaraderie with the community. Around 50 residents enthusiastically participated in the event until its conclusion.
In inaugurating the Low Carbon House, CarbonEthics collaborated with students from Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Tanjung Pinang, who have been participating in internship activities at CarbonEthics since 2022. Additionally, local creative partners, Alena Fashion and Nur Mar'ah Art & Fashion, served as judges for the eco-printing competition and actively participated in creating the Mangrove batik gallery, Dompak Laut.
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From 2021 to 2023, CarbonEthics has been actively involved in social development and environmental conservation in Tanjung Siambang, Dompak Village. This engagement stems from CarbonEthics' recognition of coastal communities as the most vulnerable group to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to these communities, putting their homes at risk. CarbonEthics involvement spans various initiatives, ranging from the restoration of blue carbon ecosystems to training in the production of environmentally friendly products and the creation of job opportunities supporting environmental preservation. In an effort to ensure that these positive impacts endure in the long term and remain sustainable, CarbonEthics has initiated the establishment of the Low Carbon House to support circular economies and enhance community resilience to climate change.
The Low Carbon House houses various community programs, including the Bintang Siambang Sukses Waste Bank Consumer Cooperative Office, the Secretariat of Coastal Farmers of Dompak Laut (PPDL), Bintang Siambang Waste Bank, Tanjung Siambang Creative Economy Center, and Community and Student Climate Change Education Center. These programs have positively impacted Tanjung Siambang residents by providing additional income, creating new job opportunities, promoting mangrove rehabilitation, and building community resilience to climate change. To date, over 60 beneficiaries have benefited from these programs since its inception in 2021.
Continuing its commitment to community empowerment, CarbonEthics envisions establishing Low Carbon Houses at every operational point. This strategic initiative reflects CarbonEthics' dedication to sustainable social impact and environmental stewardship.