Lestarikan Ekosistem Laut, Ini Aksi Real BRI Menanam - Grow And Green Di Pulau Kapoposang

As an institution, BRI supports efforts to explore marine ecosystems in Indonesia, such as those in the Pangkep Islands. (IST)

The PANGKEP ISLANDS - the blue sea that extends widely, beautiful corals, and abundant marine life make Indonesia a stunning underwater paradise. This is where humans have a big role in caring for the nature of the sea. When nature is well maintained, then he does not hesitate to give his kindness.

This belief is also growing in the community of the local Kapoposang Island, Pangkajene Islands (Pangkep) Regency, South Sulawesi. Various groups such as, the Tourism Awareness Group (POKDARWIS) Pulau Kapoposang, the Karang Web Spider Rehabilitation Group, the supervisory community group (POKMASWAS) and the Bahari Lestari Conservation Group.

These groups are tasked with, among others, supervising fishing which is widely carried out by outside fishermen by using bombs and anesthetics on the island of Kapoposang and helping with turtle eggs in Kapoposang waters.

POKDARWIS Kapoposang, for example, formed from awareness of the importance of protecting the sea, this group was formed in 2024. In a short time, this group has grown to have 33 active members who are committed to preserving nature.

We see great potential in marine tourism, ranging from snorkeling, diving, to cultural tourism. Unfortunately, Kapoposang's charm is not widely known to the wider community. Therefore, we are determined to introduce this island more broadly while keeping it from damage," said Abdul Rauf, a member of the POKDARWIS Pulau Kapoposang.

An action of concern for nature was also shown by the Karang Web Rehabilitation Group Spider Pulau Kapoposang, which was founded in 2019 and now has 21 active members. This group was originally formed through cooperation between the Kupang BKKPN Kapoposang Working Unit and local youths who have a high concern for underwater natural conditions.

This group is present in response to coral reef damage due to the practice of fishing that is not environmentally friendly, such as the use of bombs and anesthetics by fishermen from outside the island. We also routinely monitor ecosystems in the Kapoposang Waters Tourism Park area to ensure the safety and sustainability of the sea here," explained Umar, Head of the Kapoposang Island Karang Web Rehabilitation Group.

Helped Through BRI Security - Grow & Green: Coral Reef

In addition to the active roles of various community groups, Kapoposang Island also received special attention from BRI through the BRI Menanam - Grow & Green program. Abdul and Umar said that their involvement in this program began in 2023, when an open discussion was held initiated by BRI and the Indonesian Marine Biodiversity Economic Foundation (YEKHALI) on Kapoposang Island.

Abdul revealed that his party benefited greatly from the BRI Menanam - Grow and Green program on Kapoposang Island. Through coral transplantation activities, rescue training and tourism guide certification, this program has a real impact on the local community.

"Especially for members of groups involved, this program also provides new knowledge about the rehabilitation of coral reefs, first aid, and basic skills as tour guides. All of these trainings are certainly important provisions to support marine conservation as well as open opportunities in the marine tourism sector on Kapoposang Island," added Abdul.

On a separate occasion, BRI Corporate Secretary Agustya Hendy Bernadi revealed that the BRI Menanam - Grow & Green: Coral Reef program on Kapoposang Island is a clear example of BRI's efforts to maintain a sustainable marine ecosystem. This program is also expected to be able to boost the economy of the local community.

On this island, BRI Peduli carried out a transplant of 1,500 coral reef fragments using 100 units of reef stars in an area of 1,000 square meters, as a tangible form of restoration of the underwater ecosystem. The local community is also equipped with technical capabilities through a Rescue Diver, EFR, and CPR certification with PADI standards for 10 participants, as well as BNSP standard Submarine Guide certification for 15 people.

To support this activity, BRI also provides complete diving equipment that is ready for use by the community in tourism activities. This program also invites residents to be involved in educational activities such as saving turtles, cleaning beaches, and releasing hatchlings into the sea.

"We continue to be committed to preserving the marine ecosystem environment as a real action by BRI in fighting climate change. Hopefully, ongoing coral transplant activities can provide benefits for the sustainability and sustainability of nature, especially the marine ecosystem on Kapoposang Island. This program is also expected to help boost the economy of the local community," he said.

In its implementation, BRI Peduli collaborated with implementing partners Yekhali and the local community to hold a series of marine conservation activities combined with competency-based training.

Kapoposang Island is one of four national implementation points for the BRI Menanam - Grow & Green: Coral Reef program. Since 2023, this program has reached more than 50 members of community groups in four locations, namely Maratua (East Kalimantan), Karampuang (West Sulawesi), Gili Matra (West Nusa Tenggara), and Kapoposang (South Sulawesi). Overall, BRI Cares for transplanting more than 5,448 coral fragments in conservation areas covering an area of 0.44 hectares, cooperating with 10 local groups and strengthening marine community capacity with national and international standard training. (ADV)