Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

What Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia does

Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) is an Indonesian non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 2000 in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, dedicated to conserving the Critically Endangered Mahakam River dolphin (Pesut Mahakam) and its river-lakes-wetlands habitat. The organization operates a four-pillar program: (1) scientific research using a 20+ year photo-identification catalog of individually identified dolphins, passive acoustic monitoring via CPODs/FPODs at 7 stations, and water quality monitoring; (2) habitat protection through a 42,667.99 ha protected aquatic conservation area established by ministerial decree in August 2022 (the first of its kind in an Indonesian freshwater system), 5 community patrol teams from 4 sub-districts, and an acoustic pinger program with 250 devices deployed across 150 fishermen; (3) environmental education reaching 42 Mahakam River schools with 74+ trained teachers and DVD distribution across 31 Indonesian provinces; and (4) community development including sustainable aquaculture for 80 transitioned fishers, Pela village dolphin-watching ecotourism, and the 2024-launched Pesut Lestari consumer brand.

RASI's core technology includes passive acoustic monitoring infrastructure, photo-identification databases, and acoustic pinger devices that have demonstrated zero dolphin by-catch mortality in monitored nets per trial studies (2018-2021). The organization's revenue model is multi-stream: (a) donations and grants from individuals and institutional funders (Rainforest Trust, WWF Indonesia, PTES, TFCA Kalimantan, GNF, PBNF, WCS, Chelonia, Van der Hucht), (b) merchandise sales under the Pesut Lestari brand — handicrafts, halal-certified fish products, stingless bee honey, apparel, and accessories — through its own web shop and on Tokopedia/Shopee, and (c) community-based ecotourism in Pela village. The team is approximately 10 staff members led by founder/director Budiono and scientific program leader Danielle Kreb, with board oversight from Prof. Dr. Iwan Suyatna (Dean of Fisheries, Universitas Mulawarman).

Name

Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

Legal name

Yayasan Konservasi RASI

Website

https://ykrasi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Yayasan Konservasi RASI is a Samarinda-based Indonesian non-profit founded in 2000 that conserves the Critically Endangered Mahakam River dolphin via scientific research, community patrols, habitat protection, education, and ecotourism, funded by grants, donations, and the Pesut Lestari sustainable-products brand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Freshwater Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries (112511)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAGAE

Marine & Freshwater Conservation

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAGAA

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYAFAEAAAO

Stock Enhancement & Restocking / Conservation Aquaculture

Agriculture & Food Production/Animal Production & Aquaculture/Aquaculture (Fish & Shellfish Farming)

SECONDARYBPAIAMAG

Wildlife, Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Administration

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Administration

SECONDARYTHAAAIAF

Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP Coastal Tours

Travel & Hospitality/Adventure, Amusement Parks & Ecotourism/Marine & Coastal Ecotourism (Diving, Snorkeling, Whale Watching)

Keywords

• Freshwater dolphin conservation
• River habitat protection
• Community-based conservation
• Sustainable aquaculture programs
• Environmental education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Samarinda

HQ country

Indonesia

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: RASI is a non-profit organization that raises funds through donations from individuals and institutional donors. Donations can be directed to specific activities including dolphin research, habitat protection, education, and community patrols. The organization is registered as a non-profit with the Department of Law and Human Rights.
2. Merchandise and Product Sales: Sale of conservation-themed merchandise including handicrafts (keychains, bags, scarves), processed fish products (nila fish floss and dried fish), stingless bee honey, mugs, and t-shirts. Products are sold via the organization's own e-commerce shop, Tokopedia, and Shopee under the 'Pesut Lestari' brand.
3. Ecotourism: Community-based ecotourism including dolphin watching tours in Pela village and other Mahakam communities. The organization facilitates sustainable tourism that introduces local traditional fishing and river dolphins to visitors while maintaining traditions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) is an Indonesian non-profit foundation that conducts science-based conservation of the Critically Endangered Mahakam River dolphin (Pesut Mahakam). Its core offerings span five program areas: long-term dolphin population and acoustic monitoring research, habitat protection via a 42,667.99 ha freshwater aquatic conservation area and acoustic pinger bycatch mitigation, environmental education in schools, community development through sustainable aquaculture and handicrafts under the Pesut Lestari sub-brand, and community-based ecotourism in Pela Village.

Product overview

Yayasan Konservasi RASI operates as a conservation nonprofit with a web shop featuring the 'Pesut Lestari' sub-brand launched in 2024. The product portfolio includes sustainable food products (Abon Ikan Nila, Dendeng Ikan Nila, Madu Kelulut honey with halal certification), handicrafts (wooden keychains featuring local wildlife, purun fiber bags, batik scarves), and apparel (conservation T-shirts, mugs). These products support community-based conservation, with proceeds funding Mahakam river dolphin protection. The organization also conducts core conservation programs including research (20+ years of dolphin monitoring), habitat protection (42,668 ha protected area), environmental education (42 schools, 74+ teachers), and community-based ecotourism in Pela Village.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pesut Lestari: Sustainable products brand established in 2024 under the commerce and trade department. Includes fish products (Abon Ikan Nila, Dendeng ikan nila), honey (Madu Kelulut), handicrafts, and batik items. Halal certificates obtained for fish and honey products.

Products and services

• Mahakam River Dolphin Research & Monitoring Long-term scientific monitoring of the Critically Endangered Mahakam River dolphin (Pesut Mahakam, an Irrawaddy dolphin subpopulation), including boat-based population surveys, a 20+ year photo-identification catalogue of individual dolphins by dorsal fin markings, water quality testing, and 24/7 passive acoustic monitoring via CPODs/FPODs hydrophones at 7 sites. The dataset supports species status assessments, social structure analysis, site fidelity tracking, and conservation planning for government and academic partners.
• Protected Aquatic Conservation Area Management Management of the 42,667.99 ha Kawasan Konservasi di Perairan Mahakam Wilayah Hulu, including core area (1,081.28 ha), limited usage area (30,695.74 ha), and rehabilitation zone (10,890.97 ha). Activities include coordinating 5 community patrol teams across 4 sub-districts, monitoring illegal electro-fishing (50–75% reduction in some patrol areas since November 2019), and implementing the management plan with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
• Acoustic Pinger Bycatch Mitigation Program Distribution and management of acoustic pingers to gillnet fishermen to deter Irrawaddy dolphins from nets. Trial studies (2018–2021) showed dolphins surface less frequently within 20m of pingers and avoid feeding within 10m. The program also includes an alternative fishing gear exchange (48 fishermen, 2,438 m of rengge exchanged in 2025) in collaboration with Balai Pantai KP Pontianak.
• Environmental Education Program School-based and community environmental education on protected wildlife, threatened ecosystems, and plastic waste reduction in rivers and seas. Includes teacher training, theoretical and practical course materials, school campaigns, distribution of waste bins and educational DVDs, and circular economy initiatives. Engages 42 Mahakam River schools (elementary to high school) and 74+ trained teachers.
• Sustainable Aquaculture & Alternative Livelihood Program Community development program transitioning gillnet fishers to sustainable fish farming and post-harvest product innovation. Provides floating fish cages, pellet feed, fish larva, training, and a local breeding facility serving dozens of villages. Covers 80 transitioned fishers plus handicraft production (carved wooden keychains by Muara Wis craftsman Pak Su Ayan, pesut batik scarves by Pela Village women).
• Community-Based Ecotourism (Pela Village) Community-based sustainable ecotourism in Pela Village within the Mahakam River dolphin core habitat. Officially designated eco-tourism village by the Government of Indonesia. Offers dolphin watching tours with safe protocols, traditional fishing experiences, cultural festivals, and rowing competitions for domestic and international tourists, facilitated through local tour guides and boatmen coordinators.
• Pesut Lestari Sustainable Products (Merchandise Brand) Pesut Lestari is the RASI-owned sustainable products brand offering handicrafts, processed fish products, honey, and apparel. Range includes wooden keychains (Rp15,000–Rp40,000), pesut wood keychains, mugs (Rp55,000), purun sling bags (Rp155,000), pesut Mahakam batik scarves (Rp305,000), Abon Ikan Nila fish floss (100g/200g), Dendeng Ikan Nila dried fish, Madu Kelulut stingless bee honey (100ml/250ml, halal certified), and conservation T-shirts (Cotton Combed 30s, sizes S to XXXL). Sold via the organization's own website shop and through Tokopedia and Shopee Indonesian marketplaces.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and major.

• Pela Ecotourism VillagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPela village is a key community partner for RASI's dolphin conservation and ecotourism programs. The village has been designated as an official eco-tourism village and has committed to zero-plastic waste into the river. RASI collaborates with Pela on community-based ecotourism including dolphin watching with safe protocols, traditional fishing practices, and annual festivals. Women in Pela produce Pesut Mahakam batik scarves (Syal Motif Pesut Mahakam) sold through the Pesut Lestari brand.
• Kalimantan Tour GuidecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal tour guide and operator partner providing community-based dolphin watching and Mahakam River tourism services. Connects domestic and international tourists with RASI's conservation-themed ecotourism programs in the Mahakam area.
• Muara Wis VillagesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuara Wis Village partners with RASI on sustainable handicraft production. Local craftsman Pak Su Ayan produces carved wooden handicrafts (keychains featuring bekantan, pesut, and hornbill birds) using discarded wood. Village is also involved in sustainable aquaculture and alternative livelihood programs.
• Bali Flying VetssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine mammal veterinary team from Bali that conducted necropsy training workshops in June 2024 (24-25 June) for local vets and first responders, providing theoretical and practical training in dolphin necropsy procedures.
• BKSDA (Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam) Kalimantan TimurmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment conservation authority that collaborates with RASI on socialization and release of protected species, necropsy workshops, and law enforcement related to illegal fishing and protected wildlife.
• Balai Pantai KP PontianaksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment fisheries and maritime authority that collaborated with RASI in 2025 on the alternative fishing gear replacement program, accompanying 48 fishermen in the Mahakam Upper Waters Conservation Area.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational wildlife conservation organization with which RASI collaborated on the 2009 Asian freshwater dolphin workshop and action plan for conservation of freshwater populations of Irrawaddy dolphins.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES): UK-based charity funding endangered species conservation projects, including as a direct RASI funder. Comparable in mission focus on critically endangered species protection and grassroots conservation funding.
• Marine Conservation Institute: International NGO focused on establishing and maintaining marine protected areas globally. Directly comparable peer in the marine/freshwater protected area advocacy and management niche where RASI now operates following the 2022 ministerial decree.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): International conservation organization that co-authored the 2009 Asian freshwater dolphin workshop and action plan with RASI. Operates comparable cetacean and freshwater habitat programs and is a directly comparable peer.
• Rainforest Trust: International conservation funder that supports habitat protection and protected-area establishment globally — including as a direct RASI partner. Closely comparable as a peer funder and protected-area establishment counterpart.
• WWF Indonesia: Major Indonesian conservation NGO with programs on freshwater species, habitat protection, and sustainable fisheries. Operates in the same geographies and donor ecosystem as RASI and is itself a direct funder of RASI, making it a directly comparable peer organization.
• Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN): Indonesian-affiliated conservation foundation focused on terrestrial and marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and community-based conservation across Indonesia. Closest domestic institutional peer to RASI in terms of operating model and geographic footprint.
• Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC): Global NGO dedicated to cetacean conservation, with field programs on river dolphins and bycatch mitigation. Directly comparable to RASI as a cetacean-focused conservation nonprofit working on population monitoring and policy advocacy.

Regional players

• Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN): Indonesian animal welfare and conservation NGO operating community education, wildlife rescue, and habitat protection programs. Adjacent regional peer in the Indonesian NGO ecosystem working on similar community-based conservation and education models.
• ProFauna Indonesia: Indonesian animal protection and conservation NGO focused on wildlife trade, habitat protection, and species conservation across Indonesia. Comparable as a domestic NGO peer in the broader Indonesian wildlife conservation sector.

Broad incumbents

• Conservation International Indonesia: Global conservation organization with active Indonesia programs on marine protected areas and biodiversity hotspots. Comparable in mission scope but operates at significantly larger scale and broader portfolio than RASI's single-species focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCBflFzBEeGkxfSMSf-UDMzQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Rare-Aquatic-Species-of-Indonesia-100068404461437
• Instagraminstagram.com/yayasan_rasi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/yayasan-konservasi-rasi

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia