PIS Performs TJSL In Bakau Bay Bintan To Maintain The Sustainability Of The Sea Ecosystem

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) held Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) activities as part of the company's commitment to safeguarding and preserving the sustainability of the Indonesian marine ecosystem.

This time, PIS is rehabilitating the coastal ecosystem through planting 3,000 seagrass seeds in Bakau Bay, Bintan. This activity is the first similar activity within the scope of Sub Holding Integrated Maritime Logistics (SH IML) by involving PT Pertamina Energy Terminal and PT Pertamina Port and Logistics.

In its implementation, PIS also collaborates with environmental communities such as Carbon Ethics and the Warrior Lamun. This initiative is also part of an effort to welcome the commemoration of International Earth Day which falls on April 22.

The choice of seagrass has proven to be effective in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels through the addition of carbon stocks in the sea sediment, as well as functioning as a protected area for marine biota.

According to data from the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, the seagrass ecosystem has carbon absorption capability of 1,867 tons/km2 or around 48 percent, higher than mangroves and coral reefs. As part of a commitment to environmental conservation, PIS contributes through the seed-based 3,000-lamun planting initiative which is estimated to absorb up to 95.2 kg of CO2 per year.

In addition, seagrass also provides various benefits for coastal ecosystems, one of which is reducing the energy of the waves so as to reduce the rate of beach abrasion.

The modern ecosystem can even reduce wave height by 36 percent and wave energy by 70 percent. Thus, seagrass plays an important role in protecting the coastline from the impact of climate change, while maintaining the sustainability of coastal economic and social activities.

"Tournership from Sub Holding Integrated Marine Logistics has succeeded in assisting the rehabilitation process of coastal ecosystems in Bakau Bay through planting 3,000 seagrass seeds. Through this initiative, we hope to contribute to coastal regional conservation efforts in Indonesia that can benefit future generations, especially for coastal communities," said PIS Corporate Secretary Muhammad Baron, Monday, April 28.

This initiative is part of the big program of BerSEAnergi for the Sea by PIS, which targets the welfare of coastal communities. This program is also in line with the sustainable development goals (TPB/SDGs) point 3 (health and well-being), point 13 (handling climate change), and point 14 (sea ecosystem).

The preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, said Baron, is one of the main focuses in PIS's sustainability commitment. As a company engaged in marine logistics, PIS understands the urgency of conservation efforts to maintain the sustainability of coastal communities, especially in areas around the company's operations.

Since 2023, PIS has carried out various environmental initiatives, including planting 10,000 mangrove trees and coral reef transplant activities in a number of coastal areas in Indonesia.

Through this initiative, PIS hopes that Bay Bakau can develop into an environmental education center as well as a field study location for universities and research institutions around Bintan. The hope is that the benefits of this program can continue to expand, both scientific and social.

Baron also said that this activity is a strategic step to build a healthier and more sustainable coastal ecosystem, not only in Bintan but also in other PIS operational areas.

Through this program, we want to invite the community and the younger generation to participate in maintaining Indonesia's marine biological wealth. Collaboration with various parties, including the local community and academics, is the key in creating a sustainable impact on the coastal environment and community," concluded Baron.