World Mangrove Day 2026, BRI Cares Involve Farmers to Plant 24,000 Mangroves

Mangrove planting in the coastal area of Karawang is part of the BRI Menanam - Grow & Green program from BRI Peduli/ Photo: Dok. BRI

KARAWANG - In commemoration of World Mangrove Day which is celebrated every July 26, BRI Peduli as the umbrella of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Program of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk again emphasized its commitment to environmental sustainability through the planting of 24,000 mangrove trees.

This activity was carried out in the coastal area of Sompek Village, Tanjungpakis Village, Pakisjaya District, Karawang Regency, West Java and involved local farmers, namely the Cemara Laut Farmers and Fishermen Group.

This program aims to restore coastal areas that have experienced abrasion and build natural fortifications to prevent erosion, tidal waves, and seawater intrusion, optimize the function of mangroves as effective blue carbon absorbers to support national climate targets and the implementation of the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

In addition, this activity is also expected to maintain and increase the sustainability of the livelihoods of local fishermen and farmers through direct involvement in planting and maintenance activities.

For information, mangrove planting in the coastal area of Karawang is part of the BRI Menanam - Grow & Green program from BRI Peduli where so far a total of 99,500 mangrove and sea pine trees have been planted in the Muara Gembong, Tuban, Rote Ndao and Tanjung Pakis Karawang areas.

Overall, this program has an impact on the potential reduction of carbon emissions by 55.84 Tons/55.84661 kg while reaffirming BRI's commitment to implementing ESG principles while making a real contribution to the recovery of Indonesia's coastal ecosystems.

Chairman of the Cemara Laut Karawang Farmers Group, Atam, revealed that the collaboration with BRI strengthened the spirit of the community in maintaining the coastal environment in a cooperative manner. Through the BRI Peduli - Grow & Green program, his group not only received support in mangrove planting activities, but was also increasingly motivated to continue to care for the mangroves that had been planted.

For Atam, mangroves are not just plants that grow on the beach. Their existence is a natural protector that can reduce abrasion, dampen sea waves, and become a habitat for various coastal biota that support the lives of fishermen.

"I've lived here for a long time. In the past, the waves were still small. The closer you get, the closer and the bigger. So for us, mangroves are important because they prevent abrasion along the coast, dampen the waves, and protect marine life," said Atam.

Atam also added, BRI Peduli "Grow & Green" is not only a mangrove planting program, but also strengthens the spirit of the community in maintaining the coastal environment. This collaboration is expected to continue to bring benefits to the mangrove ecosystem, protect the coastal area from abrasion, and bequeath a greener and more sustainable environment for future generations.

"Alhamdulillah, BRI Peduli came through the Grow & Green program. We feel that we are not alone. With this program, we and our friends can take care of and plant mangroves," he said.

He hopes that the collaboration that has been built by the local farmers' group with BRI Peduli through this program can continue to be maintained and maintained by the local community until it can be useful for the sustainability of the lives of future generations and grandchildren in their region.

On a separate occasion, BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny revealed that BRI has consistently continued to support the preservation of nature in protecting the coast from erosion and restoring the mangrove forest habitat in the country.

"Mangrove forests act as a natural coastal defense that effectively prevents coastal erosion, holds back tidal waves, and deals with seawater intrusion. This is a tangible form of BRI's commitment to saving coastal ecosystems and of course also provides benefits for the sustainability of the lives of the surrounding communities," he said.

Dhanny added, this program does not only stop at planting activities, but also has monitoring and supervision for maximum and sustainable results. In its implementation, BRI collaborates with various parties, including non-profit organizations and local communities with a certain period of time. This shows a tangible form of a sustainable initiative that continues to be monitored and evaluated for its success.

"We also empower local farmers, hopefully, this program will be a platform to realize sustainable development practices with the goal of preserving the environment, absorbing carbon, empowering people, and improving the economy," he added. (ADV)