JAKARTA, Sept 5 (NNN-Bernama) — Indonesia AirAsia and Capital A Bhd are putting social responsibility, skill development and support to local communities in Danau Toba, North Sumatra at the top of their agenda.
The companies have entered memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with three local partners to empower the communities, a day after launching its inaugural flight from Jakarta to Silangit on Friday.
The partners, namely the Danau Toba Tourism Authority, Del Institute of Technology and community-based social entrepreneur company, Tobatenun.
The partnership aims to deliver a range of local training and knowledge-sharing initiatives in the aviation industry, technology and digital innovation upskilling, according to the company’s statement.
On Saturday, Capital A chief executive officer Tony Fernandes inked an MoU with Del Institute of Technology chancellor Dr Arnaldo Marulitua Sinaga in Danau Toba.
Del Foundation chairperson Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who is also Indonesia coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, witnessed the signing of the agreement.
Both parties will collaborate in the fields of education, research and community service while offering outstanding Danau Toba students a chance to work at AirAsia.
Meanwhile, Indonesia AirAsia, an Indonesian airline unit of Capital A, signed an MoU with Danau Toba Authority Implementing Body to help develop tourism and creative economy as well as sell merchandise.
Indonesia AirAsia chief executive officer Veranita Yosephine Sinaga said the airline would assist the authority to develop the area into a World Class Super Volcano Geopark Destination.
Veranita also sealed an MoU with Tobatenun on the promotion of the latter’s products on board flights and across other platforms, including special branding in an aircraft livery.
Tobatenun’s operation started in 2018 with an aim of supporting the Batak garment weaving art, or in the Toba Batak language, referred to as “Ulos”.
Batak is an ethnic group predominantly found in the area.
