The Bina Lestari Reservoir in Muntialo Village, Betara district, constructed under SKK Migas-PetroChina Jabung’s community development program, was officially opened on July 3, 2022. Local officials and residents voiced their hopes that the site would help boost the region’s tourism and forest fire prevention awareness.

Among the site’s highlights are various water-based rides such as swan boats and waterballs, as well as the extra sweet cayenne pineapple, which are locally grown. Locally-managed stalls selling meals and drinks are also ready to serve visitors.

Tanjung Jabung Barat Tourism, Youth and Sports Agency’s tourism infrastructure and promotions head Mario RA Mandey said that he hoped local villagers could become good hosts for the new tourism site’s visitors. He said that the reservoir was a good medium to promote local culture and boost village economy and welfare. “We hope that everyone can work together so that the Bina Lestari Reservoir tourism spot can flourish,” he said.

Meanwhile, Betara district head Toni Ermawan said that the tourism spot’s launch was the result of collaboration between various stakeholders. “We hope this tourism spot can boost forest fire prevention awareness among locals. We must continuously campaign the slogan of ‘Protect the Environment from Fires’,” he explained.

Forest fire prevention awareness is the core of PetroChina’s development program in Muntialo village. The company has been working together with the village’s Muntialo Green tourism awareness group (Pokdarwis) since last year. The collaboration has resulted in the establishment of forest fire emergency posts, forest fire prevention signs, evacuation routes and trainings.

PetroChina community development specialist Yuda Ramdani explained that the reservoir was created to integrate the idea of environmental protection with the region’s tourism potentials. “We want to develop a strategy to boost people’s economy while still focusing on the idea of fire prevention. Hopefully, the Pokdarwis can continue to develop local tourism potentials through this reservoir, including by tapping into the village’s cayenne pineapple production. For instance, the fruit is great for various meals and beverages. Next, we can also develop various tourism attractions and cultural activities here,” he said.

Pokdarwis Muntialo Green head Usman HS said that the group was grateful for all trainings and assistance that PetroChina has provided in the past two years. “Hopefully, we can collaborate with the local government and other companies as well to further develop this tourism site,” he said.