Press Releases Mangrove Planting Strengthens Commitment to Coastal Conservation in Belitung

Sijuk, Belitung, 29 July 2026 – Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role as a natural shield for coastal areas against abrasion, while also serving as habitat for numerous species and sustaining the livelihoods of surrounding communities. Protecting mangroves therefore calls for sustained care and involvement from all parties.

That spirit was on full display at the World Mangrove Day 2026 commemoration held at Batu Bedil Beach, Sungai Padang Village, Sijuk Subdistrict, Belitung Regency. Carrying the theme “Protecting Mangroves, Securing Future Generations,” the event saw 1,000 mangrove seedlings planted with the involvement of government bodies, local communities, businesses and a wide range of stakeholders.

PT Forestalestari Dwikarya and PT Palmindo Billiton Berjaya, subsidiaries of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, supported the initiative by providing the mangrove seedlings. The contribution forms part of the company’s broader effort to protect the environment while strengthening the resilience of coastal areas.

Syamsir, Deputy Regent of Belitung, praised the involvement of the many parties supporting the mangrove planting effort. He expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue to grow, including through independent seedling cultivation by Community Forest groups, so that mangrove rehabilitation can carry on as an ongoing, sustained effort.

“Mangrove rehabilitation must not stop at being a ceremonial activity. The mangroves that have been planted need continued care as they grow, given their vital role in protecting coastal areas from abrasion while maintaining ecological balance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hari Sandi, Secretary of the Belitung Regency Environment Agency, said World Mangrove Day aims to boost community participation while strengthening cross sector collaboration in preserving mangrove ecosystems. He noted the effort reflects a shared commitment to protecting and managing mangrove areas sustainably.

“World Mangrove Day is a moment to reinforce our shared commitment to conserving and managing mangrove ecosystems sustainably. We also want to encourage broader community participation so that more people take part in protecting our coastal areas,” Hari explained.

Following the planting, ongoing monitoring and care are needed to ensure the seedlings grow well, a step that matters if the initiative’s benefits are to be felt over the long run.

Imam Munandar, Estate Manager of PT Forestalestari Dwikarya, said environmental conservation delivers greater impact when it is backed by shared care and commitment.

“Through this activity, we hope to contribute to protecting the coastal ecosystem while reinforcing the spirit of mutual cooperation among government, communities and businesses, so that we can pass on a better environment to future generations. Belitung is an archipelagic region with an extensive coastline, so preserving the coastal ecosystem is a responsibility we all share. We hope the mangrove seedlings planted today will continue to grow and become part of a better environment for generations to come,” said Imam.

More than just an annual commemoration, this activity positions mangrove conservation as an integral part of managing Belitung’s coastline. Its impact will be measured not simply by the number of seedlings planted, but by the consistency of care given to those plants and the ecosystem they support over time.