Developing young people who can become drivers of sustainability is a key part of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk’s (PT Vale) long-term commitment to creating shared value for communities and the environment. In celebration of the company’s 58th anniversary, PT Vale has launched the Conservation Class, a capacity-building program for 50 high school students from communities within its empowerment areas in East Luwu, South Sulawesi.
Launched on July 24, 2026, at the Pondata Pineapple Agrotourism Area in Wasuponda District, East Luwu Regency, the program combines conservation education, leadership development, field-based learning, writing skills, and green economy principles. Its objective is to nurture a generation of young people capable of initiating meaningful environmental action and contributing to sustainable development within their communities.
The initiative forms part of PT Vale’s broader commitment to strengthening biodiversity management, empowering local communities, and fostering a sustainability mindset that can be passed on across generations.
Connecting Knowledge with Real-World Action
The Conservation Class has been designed as an experiential learning platform that bridges scientific knowledge and practical field experience. Participants will gain insights into biodiversity conservation, climate change, ecosystem restoration, ecosystem-based waste management, and responsible mining practices. In addition, they will develop essential leadership, communication, writing, and social project planning skills.
Through this integrated approach, PT Vale aims to encourage the emergence of young leaders who not only understand environmental challenges but are also equipped to develop solutions, build collaboration, and inspire positive change in their communities.
Preparing Young Environmental Ambassadors
PT Vale Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer Budiawansyah emphasized that today’s sustainability challenges require more than technological innovation and regulatory compliance. According to him, the future of the environment will also be shaped by a generation that possesses awareness, empathy, and the courage to lead change.
“The goal of this program is to help students become independent environmental ambassadors. They will not only learn through classroom-based instruction but will also gain a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship from an early age. We hope they will become role models who bring ideas, inspire their peers, and contribute positively to society,” said Budiawansyah.
He added that the Conservation Class is intended to create a lasting legacy by cultivating a culture of conservation from an early age.
“Our hope is simple: that this program becomes a legacy. Concern for conservation should not begin in adulthood; it should be nurtured early and become part of a person’s character. Adolescence is a period filled with creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to explore new ideas. We want to provide young people with a space to learn, create, and contribute to the environment starting today,” he said.
Four-Month Learning Journey
The program will run from July through October 2026 using a combination of online and in-person learning methods. Over the four-month period, participants will engage in orientation sessions, classroom learning, field visits, mini-project development, writing workshops, and a final seminar where they will present ideas and solutions to environmental issues affecting their local communities.
The learning process is supported through collaboration with academics, practitioners, and PT Vale’s internal experts, providing participants with comprehensive perspectives on conservation and sustainable development. This collaborative approach is expected to deepen their understanding of the importance of balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and community well-being.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
Tabarano Village Head Rimal Manukallo welcomed the launch of the Conservation Class, highlighting its relevance for young people seeking both knowledge and practical involvement in environmental stewardship.
“Programs like this are extremely important because they give students the opportunity to learn directly about the environment and conservation. We hope they will become pioneers of positive change within their communities, particularly in East Luwu,” he said.
Through the Conservation Class, PT Vale reaffirms its belief that investing in sustainability means not only protecting the environment and responsibly managing natural resources, but also developing future generations who can continue and strengthen these efforts.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative is expected to cultivate a new generation of sustainability champions who can serve as environmental ambassadors, strengthen community collaboration, initiate conservation actions, and create lasting positive impacts for both society and the environment in East Luwu.
