LIGHT ACTION In Likupang, Pupuk Kaltim Instills The Importance Of Sustaining Water Ecosystems

Photo: Doc. Pupuk Kaltim

JAKARTA - PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) through the Employing Initiation (Evolution) program, again shows its commitment to environmental conservation and water areas in Indonesia. Referring to Education of Karang Reef Conservation (AKSI TERANG), Evolution this time took place in Lihunu Village, East Likupang District, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province.

Pupuk Kaltim collaborated with a number of parties to directly take action to preserve the waters. Among them are Pupuk Kaltim Diving Club (PKTDC), the Government and the people of Lihunu Village, and Seasoldier Indonesia North Sulawesi Branch.

Together with dozens of employees, TERANG ACTION is divided into two targets, namely the rehabilitation of coral reefs through the manufacture and decline of coral media as many as 47 units in the conservation area of the Water Tourism Park (TWP) and the Likupang Special Economic Zone (KEK).

"In addition, education is also carried out regarding the importance of preserving the environment and water areas from an early age, through the edutainment puppet show for 47 children in Lihunu Village," said the President Director of Pupuk Kaltim, Budi Wahju Soesilo, Wednesday, December 11.

Soesilo explained, the preservation of the marine ecosystem and coral reefs is one of the focuses of Pupuk Kaltim's attention in supporting sustainability, as well as part of the implementation of the principles of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) which is the operational foundation of the Company.

This sees the threat to coral reefs due to human activity and increasing climate change, thus becoming a challenge that requires mutual attention and handling. So through Evolution, Pupuk Kaltim shows commitment as well as real action by going down directly at the Likupang SEZ, so that people understand the importance of environmental conservation as a form of mutual awareness and responsibility.

"This is one of the effective means by encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration to create sustainable conservation," continued Soesilo.

The importance of collaboration in supporting the sustainability of the water ecosystem is also continuously optimized in the area around the company, which annually deploys around 500 units of artificial reefs in the Tobok Batang and Pasilan coservasions in Bontang City.

This program has been running since 2011, and until now there are 6,882 units of artificial reefs. In addition, Pupuk Kaltim has also initiated the formation of the Karang Reef Center of Excellence (CoE), which includes various activities such as reef transplantation, nursery through coral currency facilities to counseling for the community.

"Pupuk Kaltim also has fostered partners who are empowered for the manufacture and decline of reef media in Bontang City, namely the Kimasea and Karaka Groups, as a form of collaboration with the surrounding community," explained Soesilo.

Through AKSI TERANG this time, it is hoped that it will further encourage the community to be directly involved in preserving the water ecosystem, as well as inviting all parties to increase similar initiatives in the future. Given its positive impact on the continuity of the water ecosystem for the next generation.

"We may not be able to solve all environmental challenges in a short time. However, every small step taken will make a big contribution to the better future of the earth," added Soesilo.

Representing the Government, Village Secretary Lihunu Candra Bawole, expressed his appreciation for the support of Pupuk Kaltim to encourage mutual awareness, to always maintain the water ecosystem in the long term. This activity, he said, shows the company's strong commitment to increasing mutual understanding and knowledge, considering that strong synergy between all parties is the main key to realizing sustainable conservation.

"We really support this activity, especially in the presence of attractive education to increase generation understanding of the importance of maintaining waters from an early age. Hopefully, initiatives like this will continue to be sustainable," said Candra.

The coach of Seasoldier Indonesia, North Sulawesi Branch, Rio Noval Fasta, also revealed that collaboration like this is one of the strategic steps to increase roles in maintaining the survival of more productive water areas.

Moreover, the Likupang SEZ is one of the mainstay destinations for North Sulawesi tourism, so it is important to maintain it from all potentials that can cause damage to the underwater ecosystem.

"We are ready to follow up on the Evolution Pupuk Kaltim program, with periodic monitoring of the artificial reef media being lowered. Hopefully this collaboration will produce benefits for a more protected water ecosystem," said Rio.