Women Strengthening Economic and Environmental Preservation in Pati

Women Strengthening Economic

Women Strengthening Economic

Medani Village in Pati Regency, Central Java, is home to communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on the land. Coffee, cloves, rice, and cassava are among their main commodities and key sources of income. With agriculture playing a central role in daily life, women’s participation in farming is remarkably high. Many are involved in every stage of cultivation.  

“Most housewives usually help our husbands manage the farmland, so we can contribute to improving our family’s income,” said Susanti, one of Medani Village’s women farmers and a Trees4Trees farmer partner. 

Together with their husbands, these women work hard to build decent livelihoods through farming while keeping alive the agricultural traditions passed down through generations in their community. 

Women’s Participation in Farming  

Umi, another woman farmer in Medani Village who is also a Trees4Trees farmer partner and community facilitator, began farming in childhood. Her father was the one who first taught her how to cultivate the land. 

“I once moved to another city to work while studying. But when I realized the income I earned there was barely enough, I decided to return home after getting married and focus on farming with my husband,” she shared. Today, Umi and her husband are able to provide a life for their family through coffee cultivation. She is also supported by a community of fellow women farmers. 

“In Medani Village, it’s not only the men who farm, the women do too. Many of our husbands also work as stonemasons or laborers to keep the household income stable, so as women, we naturally step up to take care of the farming ourselves,” she added. 

Susanti shares a similar story. Coming from a farming family, she focused on agriculture after marriage. “Usually, I handle the watering, fertilizing or harvesting, while my husband takes on the heavier work,” she said. When her husband has other work, she manages the land entirely on her own.  

Women’s strong role in farming is also reflected in the Trees4Trees program. “In the area I manage, 70% of Trees4Trees farmer partners are women, so women’s participation in farming in this area is truly high,” Umi revealed. 

Women Strengthening Economic
Umi and her toddler son. Amid the responsibilities of motherhood, the women remain committed to farming to build better lives for their families.

Strengthening Local Income and Restoring Environment 

Women’s participation not only supports family finances but also strengthens Medani Village’s local economy. As the area is well-known for producing coffee and cloves, their presence helps sustain and enhance this production. 

“Our main commodity is robusta coffee with extraordinary bean quality. We only pick the red ones to keep the quality and competitive price,” said Umi. Cloves are another important source of income. “The price of cloves is also competitive, that’s why, besides coffee, I also rely on cloves,” Susanti said. 

Despite these promising results, farming practices in Medani Village face serious challenges. The village lies across rocky hills and steep slopes, making the land increasingly fragile and prone to erosion and landslides. “The worst landslides usually happen during heavy rainfall. Sometimes the roads are completely blocked, making it difficult for us to reach our farmland,” Umi explained. 

For Umi and other women, planting trees is a key solution, making the women farmers’ role has become increasingly important in environmental restoration. “This is why we plant trees alongside our crops. We need more trees on the slopes, especially where tree cover is limited, to help reduce the risk of landslides,” she added. 

Women Strengthening Economic
(Above) Susanti amidst coffee trees she planted. (Below) Trees4Trees team assists farmer partners in tree planting.

Women Farmers Trees4Trees Pati

Tree Planting Support 

To support local communities in Pati Regency, including Medani Village, Piyama, a clothing brand, together with Trees4Trees, has planted over 30,000 trees. Besides supporting local livelihoods and empowering women, this initiative also aims to restore the environment by increasing tree cover to reduce severe erosion and destructive landslides. 

“One of the reasons, this is caused by agricultural land management practices by local communities that do not adequately apply conservation techniques, like applying terracing,” Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager said.  He added, this makes tree planting especially urgent in these sloped areas. 

Land degradation in Pati due to unadequate agricultural practice to conservation
Agricultural practices in Medani Village that do not adequately apply conservation techniques increase the surrounding area’s risk of erosion and landslides

Land degradation in Pati due to unadequate agricultural practice to conservation

“Trees we received really support and helped our family’s economy as well as for our surrounding environment. Thank you for the free seedlings provided, especially for farmers in Medani Village,” Ummi said. 

Beyond Pati Regency, Piyama and Trees4Trees have also carried out tree-planting initiatives in Boyolali and Kebumen – Central Java, focusing on combating drought and water scarcity. In total over 80,000 trees have been planted by involving more than 880 local farmers which not only restores the environment but also but also supports communities and empowers women in farming.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita 

Planting Watersheds: A Step to Restore Bali’s Nature and Sustain Local Livelihoods

Planting

Trees4Trees planted trees in Bali

Tuwed and Tukadaya are two villages in Melaya District, Jembrana Regency, located within two important watersheds in Bali: Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya. Known for their strong agricultural tradition and tourism potential, these areas represent the richness of Bali’s rural landscape. Yet, like many parts of the island, they are increasingly facing pressure from rapid human-driven development. 

Significant land-use changes have occurred, converting forests for production purposes and agricultural expansion. Their strategic position along the Java–Bali logistics route has further accelerated development, with land increasingly transformed into residential and commercial areas. While development brings economic opportunity, it also poses risks to environmental health, local livelihoods, and food security. During the rainy season, communities in these villages, like others in Jembrana, are often affected by river flooding, a challenge linked to watersheds degradation. 

In response to these challenges, Faithfull, a Bali-based sustainable fashion company, initiated tree planting in these two villages this season to support ecosystem restoration and strengthen local livelihoods. 

Trees4Trees planted trees in Bali
The Melaya landscape, with residential areas scattered among the greenery.

Planting Trees Together: Sharing Love for Bali and Part of a Sustainable Commitment 

Chrisma Aryanta, Faithfull Office and HR Manager, shared that the tree-planting initiative aligns with the company’s sustainability vision and mission and part of its corporate social responsibility program. As a fashion company, Faithfull believes their responsibility goes beyond creating products. “Fashion is deeply connected to nature – from the threads we use to the materials we source. Planting trees is our way to give something back to nature in return,” she explained. 

As an initial step in this renewed commitment, just before Valentine’s Day, Faithfull brought its team members together with local communities and Trees4Trees to plant trees in Tuwed Village. The initiative continues with 10,000 additional trees to be planted in Tuwed and neighboring Tukadaya, helping restore the greenery of Melaya, an area located near two of Bali’s important natural sites: West Bali National Park and the Melaya Protected Forest. 

The effort reflects the brand’s commitment as a Bali-based sustainable clothing company to share its love and give back to the island they call home. “Deforestation is getting more serious, not only in Indonesia but all over the world,” Chrisma said. “This season, we choose planting trees here in Bali because we are Bali-based, we love Bali and we want to make Bali even better.” 

Trees4Trees planted trees in Bali
(Above) Chrisma Aryanta, Faithfull Office and HR Manager, joined the tree planting with local community. (Below) Faithfull team members worked to plant trees together.

Five Years of Growing Green Together  

The tree-planting initiative in Bali marks an important milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Faithfull and Trees4Trees, celebrating five years of tree-planting partnership. Since 2021, Faithfull has planted over 20,000 trees across Java and Bali together with Trees4Trees, addressing pressing environmental challenges, including drought, water scarcity, erosion, and landslides, while supporting local livelihoods. Around 140 farmers have been directly involved, integrating tree planting into their agricultural landscapes.  

“At Faithfull, we want to help ensure a better future for everyone and everything. We see the harmful effects of deforestation, and we know we need to take action,” Chrisma said. 

Continuing this shared effort, the Bali planting responds to the increasing land conversion in the Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya downstream watersheds. Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond environmental restoration. 

“This program not only increases tree cover in Jembrana, but also strengthens local livelihoods, particularly through the cultivation and integration of cacao trees, which provide long-term economic benefits,” he explained. 

Trees4Trees planted trees in Bali
Together with Trees4Trees and local communities, Faithful plants 10,000 trees in Tuwed and Tukadaya Village.

Creating Impacts: Supporting the Environment and Communities 

Echoing this perspective, Rusmanto Manulang, Trees4Trees Bali Site Coordinator, highlighted that tree planting delivers meaningful environmental and social value. 

“The most important impact lies in the environmental benefits, especially in protecting water reserves and maintaining clean air, both of which are essential for long-term ecosystem health. However, at the same time, the economic potential is also significant,” he said. 

Trees4Trees planted trees in Bali
The scorching sun did not dampen the spirit of Faithfull team members to plant trees in Tuwed Village.

He explained that non-timber forest products, such as leaves, can be properly managed and used as livestock feed – a valuable resource for farmers who raise animals. Over time, products such as fruits, nuts, and timber can provide additional income streams, strengthen household economies, and enhance community resilience. 

“Beyond economic benefits, the initiative also motivates farmers to manage their land more effectively and sustainably, particularly degraded and unproductive areas,” said Rusmanto. By transforming empty land into productive agroforestry systems, farmers can secure both environmental restoration and future income. 

With more trees planted this season, Faithfull hopes its fashion business can contribute not only to social and economic development, but also to long-term environmental sustainability – ensuring that style and stewardship grow hand in hand, rooted in Bali’s soil for generations to come. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita

Four Years of Commitment: Microsoft Continues Growing Urban Forests

Planting Trees

The presence of green spaces among factories, buildings, and heavy traffic in bustling industrial zones is like an oasis in the middle of a dry, overheated desert. Beyond providing fresher oxygen and sequestering carbon emissions from the industrial activities, rows of trees offer shade, reduce heat and lower temperature, transforming the area into a more livable and comfortable environment for those who live and work nearby.  

Extensive research and studies has shown that the presence of forests in urban areas significantly improves public health and strengthens the human immune system. 

Establishing urban forests within industrial and urban areas, however, is not as simple as it sounds. It demands long-term vision, consistent effort, and strong commitment. Despite these complexities, over the past four years Microsoft, in collaboration with Trees4Trees, has consistently demonstrated that commitment by helping establish urban forests in two major industrial hubs in Jakarta’s buffer zone: Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) and Karawang International Industrial Center (KIIC), contributing to a healthier environment. 

Urban and Industrial Area Challenges 

Amid the rapid development of hundreds of buildings, factories, and supporting infrastructures, GIIC and KIIC – like many other urban industrial zones – face significant environmental challenges. Air pollution from factory operations and vehicle emissions continues to threaten air quality. Without serious intervention, air quality could continue to decline, potentially harming the health of surrounding communities.  

Yet the challenges go beyond polluted air. Water and soil degradation also pose serious concerns. “Industrial areas often consist of nutrient-deficient soils,” explained Pandu Budi Wahono, Director of Trees4Trees. “To address this, we prioritize planting fast-growing shade trees that are not only well-adapted to poor soil conditions but can also gradually improve soil quality by recycling nutrients – helping restore soil health and revive the ecosystem,” he added. 

Four Years of Commitment
The tree planting took place near the buildings and factories of the GIIC Industrial area in Cikarang, contributing to the expansion of urban forests.

More Trees for Urban Forests 

Helping to address these challenges, Microsoft began the journey to create urban forests in 2022. As key industrial hubs, both GIIC and KIIC areas were once largely dominated by factories and infrastructures. Many areas lack tree covers and stretch of arid, compacted soil. During the dry season, the heat intensified – turning parts of the area into scorching landscapes, especially at midday. 

Four years later, the landscape has gradually transformed. These industrial zones are now increasingly woven with greenery, from shade trees lining the open land to fruit-bearing trees growing within the complexes. Together, these efforts expand the pockets of urban forests and reshape the industrial environment.  

This season, Microsoft continues to strengthen that commitment to further grow urban forest coverage. “From 2022 to 2025, Microsoft has planted around 62,000 trees in the industrial areas of Cikarang and Karawang to help establish urban forests. Today, we mark four years of tree-planting collaboration with Trees4Trees,” said Dania, Microsoft Community Engagement Lead. 

To build on this progress, she emphasized that this season, Microsoft is adding 13,000 more trees, bringing a total of 75,000 trees since 2022. “We hope to continue this effort in the years ahead, expanding the numbers each season and ensuring that the trees we plant continue to grow and deliver lasting benefits,” Dania added.  

Expanding Green
The rain even did not stop the volunteers’ spirit in planting trees.

Microsoft Commitment: Being a Good Neighbor for Community 

As the first step in expanding urban forest, Microsoft recently initiated a tree planting event, inviting its partners and community members to take part. “Around 100 volunteers who are our partners took part in the planting activity,” Dania explained. Of the total number of trees planned for this season, 1,100 trees were planted during the event – symbolizing not only environmental action, but also a shared commitment. 

“We invited everyone to plant trees together because we want to build a sense of shared responsibility, as one big family working together in creating a better environment,” said Dania. She said that the urban forest tree planting initiative also reflects Microsoft’s awareness of its presence within the industrial area, particularly with its data center operating there. “This is part of our commitment to being a responsible and good neighbor to the surrounding communities,” she continued. 

Planting Trees
(Above) Arina Dafir, Microsoft’s Community Affairs Manager – Southeast Asia, joined the tree-planting event. (Below) Together with its partners, Microsoft continues to grow urban forests.

Four Years of Commitment

Expanding Impacts, Planting with Local Community 

Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager, explained that the urban forest initiative focuses on strengthening soil and water conservation while contributing to carbon sequestration. Over time, those growing urban forests are expected to improve air quality, reduce heat, enhance water and soil health, and support local livelihoods.  

“Like in previous season, this year, we’re planting species suited to drought-prone industrial conditions, including fast-growing hardwoods such as cadamba, albizia, gmelina, and mindi, alongside fruit trees like jackfruit and mango,” he said. 

Four Years of Commitment
Microsoft engaged its business and community partners, including organizations and school representatives from nearby industrial areas to plant trees together during a dedicated planting event.

The tree-planting efforts also extend to community-owned lands in the surrounding industrial zones to broaden environmental and social impacts. The program will continue through April 2026, involving local farmers as planting partners, ensuring that the initiative not only restores the environment but also supports the surrounding communities.  

“We see this tree planting as an investment in the future,” Dania emphasized. “We plant trees today, knowing that in ten or twenty years, those trees will grow strong and give back, caring for us and providing lasting benefits for all living beings,” she added. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Y. Dessenita

Rooted in Resilience: Women Farmers in Bali

Rooted in Resilience

Rooted in Resilience: Women Farmers in Bali

Located within two of critical Bali’s watersheds, Sangianggede and Tukad Melaya, Tuwed Village in Melaya District, Jembrana Regency is strong for its agricultural tradition closely tied to local culture. Many residents rely on farming for their livelihoods, cultivating trees and crops, such as paddy, coconut, cacao, and various vegetables.  

However, like many parts of Bali, this area is increasingly facing pressure from rapid human-driven development, transforming much land into residential and commercial areas, creating challenges for farming communities. Amid these changes, some villagers remain committed to preserving their agricultural traditions. Among them are Nurhayati and Sahliah, two women farmers who continue to cultivate the land while contributing to their families and communities. 

Breaking Village Tradition: Women as Farmers 

In Tuwed Village, farming is seen as men’s work as it requires much physical labor. Most women in the village are housewives, while some earn income by collecting coconut leaves. Only a few women choose to work directly in agriculture.  

Sahliah and Nurhayati are among the women who have broken this tradition by dedicating themselves to farming.  

“It’s rare to find women in Tuwed who farm as their main routine. Usually, women only help during harvest time,” said Nurhayati, one of the village’s woman farmers.  

Now in her forties, Nurhayati has been familiar with farming since her early marriage. “My husband is a farmer, so I have worked alongside him in the field since we got married,” she explained.   

Planting Trees
Nurhayati with tree seedlings she has already received from Trees4Trees and Faithfull tree planting program.

Together with her husband, Nurhayati manages a rice field and several plots of land where they grow corn, bananas, and vegetables. “After years of farming, I have seen how it can support my family’s needs,” she said. In 2024, they joined the Trees4Trees program receiving albizia, avocado, and cacao trees. “I hope these trees will become our savings for the future,” added Nurhayati.  

Another woman farmer, Sahliah, described farming as her side job, while her husband works as a full-time farmer managing rice fields and land planted with coconut trees and crops. Even so, Sahliah actively ensures their crops and coconut trees grow well and thrive. 

Like Nurhayati, Sahliah also received albizia, avocado, and cacao seedlings from a tree-planting program initiated by Faithfull in partnership with Trees4Trees in 2024.  “These trees are investments for the future. When I get older and am not strong enough to work, I can harvest the fruits along with crops we planted to support our needs,” she said. 

Woman planting trees
Sahliah, in front of her working place where she and other women pack young coconut leaves.

Independent and Self-sufficient Women 

Behind their persistence in farming lies a larger goal: becoming financially independence women who can contribute to their family.  

In addition to farming, Sahliah started a small business five years ago related to trees she grows: collecting young coconut leaves. The demand for young coconut leaves in Bali remains high because they are widely used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The leaves are crafted into penjor, tall decorative bamboo poles adorned with young coconut leaves (janur), and banten, traditional Balinese Hindu offerings. 

“This business employs around 15 women who work with me to collect young coconut leaves, pack them, and send them to crafters in Denpasar,” Sahliah said. She emphasized that maintaining healthy coconut trees she has grown and continuing farming are essential to sustaining her business, as the quality of the leaves depends on the health of the trees and the ecosystem.  

“Through this business, I want more women in this village to work and earn their own income, instead of depending on their husband entirely to support their family needs,” she added. Sahliah believes that productive women can strengthen household financial stability. 

Nurhayati also pursues her own source of income. Besides farming with her husband, she runs a small snack stall in front of her house. The income she earns from selling harvests helps her add capital to her stall and create additional opportunities to support her family. “It is always satisfying to earn my own income without depending on my husband,” she said.  

Rooted in Resilience: Women Farmers in Bali
A woman from Tuwed Village packs young coconut leaves before delivering them to a crafter to be used for ceremonial and ritual decorations.

Farming for the Future 

For both Nurhayati and Sahliah, their commitment to farming and planting trees goes far beyond generating income. Their village has experienced environmental challenges, including drought during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season. For them, planting trees is also a way to help restore their village’s surrounding environment. 

“I love seeing the area around my land becoming greener. It feels cooler and makes me feel safer with more trees around,” Sahliah said. 

Through the tree-planting program initiated by Faithfull in collaboration with Trees4Trees this season, the trees planted are expected to bring long-term benefits, not only restoring the environment but also strengthening the livelihoods of local communities, especially empowering women like Sahliah and Nurhayati. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita

From Rural to Urban: Expanding Green Commitment Across Jakarta’s Buffer Zone

From Rural to Urban

Tree Planting in Curug Cibingbing_Trees4Trees

As the largest metropolitan city and Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta’s hustle bustle comes with significant environmental challenges – from air pollution to declining of water and soil quality. However, the intense development pressures extend beyond the city itself, affecting surrounding buffer zones both in rural and urban areas, including Bogor to the south and Tangerang to the west. 

About 60 kilometers from the center of Jakarta City lies Mount Pancar in Sentul, Bogor – a mountainous landscape where many Jakartans escape their routines to break for a while, just to enjoy the nature and scenic view. Unfortunately, the area’s growing popularity has created a new pressure. Not only does the rapid development by the business and shopping centers occur, but every weekend, traffic becomes congested and the site is flooded with visitors, making it increasingly urgent to preserve the natural integrity.  

From Rural to Urban
Sumitomo Group together with Trees4Trees planted trees along the hiking trails of Cibingbing Waterfall in Bogor, West Java.

Strengthening Rural Erosion Prone and Sloping Area 

Cibingbing waterfall, part of Mount Pancar complex, attracts large numbers of visitors every weekend with its hiking trails and river activities. The waterfall is one of four waterfalls in the area, all known for their strong water discharge. Yet its steep slopes and terrain make the area highly susceptible to erosion and landslides. As human activities increase in the area, the risk of tree cover loss also rises, heightening the threat of landslide and flooding.  

To support this area, Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia and Sumi Indo Kabel, together with Trees4Trees, planted 300 trees on vulnerable slopes near the waterfall. “The planting focuses on erosion control and water conservation,” said Khoirum Minan, Trees4Trees Project Manager. According to him, the trees are also expected to help protect river streams and maintain water reserves during the dry season, enhance oxygen supply, provide shade, improve the landscape, and offer non-timber benefits for local communities. 

This effort continues the companies’ environmental commitment, following last year’s planting of 2,000 trees in the foothills of Mount Salak, another rural area of Bogor. 

Tree Planting in Curug Cibingbing_Trees4Trees
(Above) Both fruit and hardwood trees were planted to offer benefits to the environment, tourism, and local communities. (Below) All day hard rain had not stopped the spirit of volunteers from planting trees.

Tree Planting in Curug Cibingbing_Trees4Trees

Planting Trees Together, Nurturing Well-Being in Nature with Hiking 

Taking place along the waterfall hiking trail, the tree planting involved employees from nine subsidiaries of Sumitomo Group, with over 100 participants joining as tree planting volunteers. “Albizia, cadamba, avocado, and nutmeg were selected as the area is well suited to these species, accelerating their chances of healthy growth and survival,” said Khoirum Minan. 

Eva, the Sumi Indo Kabel HR emphasized that representatives from most subsidiaries took part in the tree planting, as engaging employees is an integral part of their sustainability program. “By involving them to this activity, we hope to raise awareness and instill both knowledge and a spirit of environmental stewardship among our staff,” she said.  

From Rural to Urban
(Above) Employees of the Sumitomo group joined the tree planting event. (Below) Masashi Fukui, the Sumitomo’s global sustainability program person in charge, joined the tree planting event.

In line with Eva’s statement, Masashi Fukui, Executive Officer of Sumitomo Electric Indonesia and the person in charge for Sumitomo’s global sustainability program, emphasized the involvement of team members is crucial to achieving their sustainability goal. “At Sumitomo, we go beyond generating profits – we are committed to giving back to society and the environment. This tree-planting event is part of our global CSR program, engaging employees in caring for nature and supporting local communities,” he said. 

Alongside the tree-planting activity, the program also included a two kilometer-hiking trip to the waterfall, offering staff members wellness experience immerse in nature and a moment to reflect on how deeply human life depend on nature “This is not only about contributing to nature, but also about giving our volunteers the opportunity to reconnect with and enjoy nature itself,” said Eva. 

Tree Planting in Curug Cibingbing_Trees4Trees
Hiking to Cibingbing Waterfall after tree planting, offering volunteers an outdoor activity by immersing in nature.

Tree Planting in Curug Cibingbing_Trees4Trees

Expanding Green Commitment: Creating Urban Forest 

As carbon reduction is one of Sumitomo Group’s global sustainability goals, the tree-planting program goes beyond greening rural areas. After planting in rural Bogor, the initiative expanded to Tangerang City, where the Sumi Indo Kabel office is located.  

In this urban area, the program focuses on creating an urban forest by planting an additional 2,300 trees. Serving as the company responsibility to the surrounding environment, the initiative aims to increase green spaces to help address air pollution, urban heat, and declining water and soil quality – environmental pressures facing Tangerang as one of Jakarta’s rapidly developing buffer zones.  

Tree Planting in Curug Cibingbing_Trees4Trees
Engaging employees is an integral part of Sumitomo’s global sustainability program, achieving carbon reduction through rural and urban tree planting.

Mario Eko Cumentas, Chairperson of the Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia Area Committee, emphasized that both rural and urban tree planting reflect the long-term company’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability. 

“Tree planting is essential for the future of our planet, and we are committed to continuing this effort,” he said. “We also encourage other communities and companies to take similar action, as caring for the environment is our shared responsibility. Trees are vital for all living beings – including us.” 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita & M. Elly Nezar

Restoring Mangrove Cover: Safeguarding the Lifeline of Bintan Island

Restoring mangrove

Planting event

Bintan Island is the largest island in the Riau Archipelago, Sumatra, Indonesia, covering 1,173 square kilometers. Located just 40 kilometer or a short sail from Singapore, the island offers breathtaking coastal landscapes. Beyond its white sand beaches, which serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles, Bintan is also home to extensive mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. 

Spanning 8,553 hectares of mangrove forests and 2,094 hectares of seagrass meadows, these ecosystems serve as vital habitats for diverse wildlife, including endangered species dugong (Dugong dugon). Together with the surrounding coral reefs that support abundant marine biodiversity, Bintan’s coastal ecosystems create vibrant natural sanctuary. Not only critical for wildlife, but these ecosystems also support the livelihoods of local communities, most of whom depend on fisheries and tourism. 

“Most of us have been fishers for generations, relying heavily on fisheries and other marine resources. However, later, we have discovered another potential in our village. We have a magnificent coastal and marine landscape that we realized could be developed further through environmental services, particularly as a tourism attraction,” said Iwan, leader of the Conservation Education Group of Pengudang Village, one of the coastal villages on Bintan Island. 

Bintan island
The magnificent coastal landscape of Bintan Island

Mangrove Degradation in Bintan Island 

Located near Singapore, Bintan Island stands both a strategic gateway and a leading tourist destination, known for its luxury resorts. However, decades of tourism and development have come at an environmental cost. Many coastal areas face increasing human-driven pressures. Between 2014 and 2021, more than 450 hectares of mangroves were lost due to tourism expansion, industrial development, and aquaculture – placing serious strain on ecosystems and coastal communities. 

Bintan Island Mangrove Planting Trees4Trees
The open coastline of Pengudang Village, once dense with mangrove cover, now remains exposed – without mangrove barriers.

“Most of Bintan Island is surrounded by the sea, and the mangrove ecosystems condition is concerning. There has been significant damage along the coastal areas,” said Khoirum Minan, Project Manager of Trees4Trees. He explained that many mangrove areas are now severely degraded and require restoration to restore their cover. 

Iwan also acknowledged that mangrove deforestation caused by business expansion and the island residents’ growing needs has been significant. “Coastal communities and mangroves are interconnected. If mangrove cover disappears, it will not only affect the environment but also the well-being of communities. Therefore, restoration is a must – and we have started it,” said Iwan. 

Bintan Island Mangrove Planting Trees4Trees
One of mangrove covers in Pengudang Village, Bintan Island.

Planting Mangroves: Green Action of Industrial Bank of Korea and Copion 

Recognizing the urgent need to restore coastal ecosystem health, local communities on Bintan Island – particularly in Pengudang Village – have initiated mangrove restoration efforts in recent years. Iwan shared that, together with fellow villagers, they began nurturing mangrove seedlings and replanting degraded areas. 

Supporting these community-led efforts, earlier this year, Industrial Bank of Korea, in collaboration with Copion and Trees4Trees, helped plant additional mangroves along the coast of Pengudang Village. A total of 1,500 Rhizophora apiculate species were planted together with the Industrial Bank of Korea staff members and Pengudang communities. The species was selected as the area is its natural habitat, increasing its chance of growth and survival. 

Restoring mangrove

Beyond restoring coastal and marine ecosystems, the initiative which part of the Industrial Bank of Korea sustainability program also aims to strengthen coastal livelihoods.  

“When we plant mangroves, marine and coastal species such as crabs, shrimps, and fish become more abundant, as mangroves provide essential habitat for them. With healthier ecosystems and increased yields from the sea, we hope mangrove planting will strengthen local fisheries and, in turn, improve the local economy,” said Khoirum Minan. 

planting event
A total of 80 volunteers from Industrial Bank of Korea gathered to plant 1,500 Rhizophora apiculate mangroves for two days.

Restoring mangrove

Strengthening Bintan Island Potential: Sustainable Fisheries and Tourism 

With its strategic location, strong fisheries and tourism sectors, Bintan holds significant potential as a leading coastal destination. For the villagers, their livelihood is not separate from nature.  

According to Iwan, conservation is integrated into every tourism activity in Pengudang Village, including mangrove planting, ensuring that it showcases nature while protects and sustains the surrounding ecosystems. The sea, however, has long been Bintan’s lifeline, providing food and income for local fishers. As part of Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, the fisheries potential in Bintan Regency exceeds 100,000 tons, placing it among the country’s important fishing regions. 

Bintan Island Mangrove Planting Trees4Trees
Iwan, the leader of Conservation Education Group of Pengudang Village thanked all of volunteers to help communities in restoring mangrove covers.

“We realized that our tourism offers natural heritage. Mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs,” said Iwan. “Visitors can glide through our mangrove forests on firefly tours, explore vibrant underwater life while snorkeling, or enjoy coastal village experiences,” he said. “So, as the coast and the sea are inseparable parts of our lives, whether we like it or not, we have to protect them. Because it is essential to our survival,” he continued. 

With the mangrove restoration and sustainable fisheries and tourism practice, the island is potentially become a leading model for sustainable island development, where mangrove restoration, eco-tourism, and community livelihoods reinforce one another.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Y. Dessenita & M. Elly Nezar