Collaboration to Protect the Coastal Ecosystem, PT KPB and Local Residents Plant 600 Mangrove Seedlings for the PPU Coast

Monday, 25 August 2025

In commemoration of World Mangrove Day, the 6th anniversary of PT Kilang Pertamina Balikpapan (KPB), and to support the Lawe-Lawe Biodiversity Area program, PT KPB held a mangrove planting activity involving 600 seedlings at the Kampung Baru Mangrove Ecotourism Area in Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Regency on Friday (August 15). The planting of these 600 seedlings is proof of PT KPB's commitment to preserving the coastline.

This activity involved the management of PT KPB and PT KPI, the PPU Regency Environment Agency (DLH), Kampung Baru Village, the Kampung Baru Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), local residents, and students participating in the Real Work Lecture (KKN) program. This collaboration is an example of positive synergy in realizing sustainable development in the PPU region.

Vice President (VP) of Legal and Relations at PT KPB, Asep Sulaeman, said that this mangrove planting activity is part of PT KPB's long-term efforts to support ecosystem balance. “This activity is PT KPB’s commitment to preserving the environment, especially the coastal ecosystem. Mangroves play an important role in protecting the coastline, preventing erosion, and serving as a habitat for marine life. We hope that what we plant today will benefit future generations,” said Asep. Participants in the activity were provided with simple planting equipment prepared by the committee. With guidance from the Kampung Baru Pokdarwis, planting was carried out using the appropriate techniques in the hope that the mangrove seedlings would grow optimally. After the planting process, the mangrove seedlings will be monitored regularly by the Kampung Baru Pokdarwis together with the local community. This is done to increase the success rate of seedling growth and provide sustainable ecological benefits.

The Head of the PPU Regency Environment Agency, Safwana, expressed her appreciation for PT KPB's efforts in supporting environmental conservation. “We, the local government, greatly appreciate the activities carried out by PT KPB. What we are doing today is certainly very beneficial for the sustainability of our environment,” said Safwana.

This mangrove planting is in line with the Lawe-Lawe Biodiversity Area program initiated by PT KPB. The program focuses on efforts to preserve biodiversity, especially in coastal areas that play an important role in the sustainability of the ecosystem. In addition to its ecological function, mangrove planting is also expected to provide economic benefits to the surrounding community, such as supporting ecotourism, fisheries, and serving as an area for environmental research and education for the younger generation.

Meanwhile, Kampung Baru PPU Village Head Nurana expressed her appreciation for the mangrove planting activity held in her area. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to KPB and its staff. We at Kampung Baru Village are proud and grateful to have been entrusted with the task of planting these 600 mangrove seedlings,” she concluded.