SKK Migas and PetroChina International Jabung Ltd. donated 5,000 mangrove seedlings for planting on the coast of Parit I and Pangkal Babu Villages in Kuala Tungkal district, Tanjung Jabung Barat regency, Jambi. A planting ceremony was held in Pangkal Babu on July 26, 2022, coinciding with the International Mangrove Day.

The ceremony was part of a simultaneous mangrove planting program coordinated by the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) in 77 locations across the country to welcome the 77th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence on August 17 this year.

Palembang Naval Base commander Col. Widyo Sasongko, Tanjung Jabung Barat regional secretary Agus Sanusi, Viky Trilaksono of SKK Migas Southern Sumatra Representative Office’s operational division, Fachry Noviar Singka of PetroChina’s health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) department, and local officials attended the ceremony.

On behalf of PetroChina, Fachry said that the mangrove planting program was a form of community-based security by the company. “This program is aimed at involving local residents in ensuring that operational activities in the upstream oil and gas industry can go on smoothly and securely. They have an important role in this,” he said.

Meanwhile, SKK Migas Southern Sumatra Representative Office head Anggono Mahendrawan explained that the program was part of the upstream industry’s support for environmental preservation. “This program is a form of SKK Migas and PSC’s collaboration with various local stakeholders in protecting the environment,” he said.

According to Widyo, the Navy has collaborated with various parties in mangrove planting in Tanjung Jabung Barat since 2018. “We hope this synergy can be maintained and nurtured further,” he said.

All mangrove planting events on 77 locations were broadcast on Zoom, with the main event located in Tanjung Pasir, Teluknaga district, Tangerang regency, Banten. Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Yudo Margono, and representatives of foreign embassies and international agencies were in attendance.

In his remarks, Yudo said that the mangrove planting was an annual program. This year, 1,377,000 mangrove seedlings were planted across the 77 locations. “Our future lies at seas. Our mangrove restoration movement is based on the spirit of protecting marine environment. By preserving the mangrove ecosystem, we are mitigating for disasters caused by climate change,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siti said that the government’s mangrove protection campaign is part of its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emission.