Marine Conservation Actions In Bintan, Focus On Dugongs To Coastal Ecosystems

The action of conservation volunteers in Bintan. (Rizky Adytia / VOI)

JAKARTA - Volunteers for BUMN Bakti in Bintan, Riau Islands, carry out conservation activities for seagrass, mangroves, coral reefs, and dugong habitats.

This effort is considered important to maintain marine ecosystems as well as open up educational tourism development opportunities that provide long-term benefits for coastal communities.

This conservation activity is part of a series of BUMN Bakti Volunteer Programs in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence. PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) together with a number of SOEs deployed 100 employees to jump directly in 10 areas, including Bintan.

Direktur SDM dan Umum Pelindo, Dwi Fatan Lilyana mengatakan aksi konservasi di Bintan menjadi bukti besar peran BUMN tidak hanya dalam bidang ekonomi, tetapi juga keberlanjutan lingkungan.

We did not come only to provide assistance, but also to work with residents to protect the sea. Lamun conservation, mangroves, coral reefs, and dugong protection are important heritages for the next generation," he said.

Apart from Bintan, BUMN volunteers were also present at Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Muara Enim (South Sumatra), Ciamis (West Java), Madiun (East Java), Paser (East Kalimantan), Klungkung (Bali), Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara), Gorontalo, and Banda Neira (Maluku).

During the 15'18 August 2025 activity, volunteers were involved in various activities, such as teaching children at school, fostering MSMEs, planting trees, cleaning beaches, and improving public facilities. According to Lily, these activities build closeness with the community while regenerating the spirit of mutual cooperation.

Pelindo itself has made involvement in BUMN Bakti Volunteers part of the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program. Throughout August, Pelindo held social activities around ports, including distributing basic necessities, free health services, providing scholarships, and improving public facilities.

Pelabuhan adalah pintu ekonomi. Tapi keberadaan Pelindo juga harus dirasakan masyarakat dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, kata Lily.

In each region, the program is closed with the celebration of the 80th Indonesian Independence Day through flag ceremonies, people's competitions, art performances, and aid sharing actions.

Lily also added that the success of this program lies in the direct involvement between volunteers and residents.

"Indonesia is independent because of mutual cooperation. If this spirit continues to be maintained, this country will always be strong," he concluded.