The Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Serang Regency, Banten, has consistently implemented programs to conserve mangroves and protect marine ecosystems.
The KKN-PPM team in Tengkurak Village, a coastal area in Tirtayasa District, worked with PT Chandra Asri Tbk, the Serang Regency Government, Syeikh Nawawi Banten University (USNB), Kagama Banten, PT Krakatau Steel, and BPR Serang to conduct mass mangrove planting at several locations.
In the planting program led by PT Chandra Asri Tbk, the Tengkurak Forest Farmers Group, and the Segara Biru Farmers Group, some UGM students took part directly in planting activities, while others documented the process in a video.
The collaboration aims to plant 650,000 mangrove seedlings across 186 hectares over three years. In the initial phase, 5 percent of the total target has been planted. This achievement was recognized by the Serang Regency Government during a Seminar on Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation in Serang Regency held at the Serang Regent’s Pavilion on Friday (Aug. 8).
Representing the Regent of Serang, Muhammad Najib Hamas, stated that the seminar serves as a step toward protecting the environment, especially in marine areas. He expressed hope that the collaboration would continue in line with the commitment of all parties to preserve marine ecosystems while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
He conveyed his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in mangrove planting, particularly in northern Serang, to protect natural ecosystems.
Based on mitigation efforts and discussions, Hamas explained that the preservation of mangrove ecosystems, concentrated in Tanara and Tirtayasa Districts, will remain a shared commitment of the Serang Regency Government, UGM’s KKN-PPM program, and PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk through 2026.
“I am here at the mangrove conservation seminar representing the regent to convey her message. First, the Serang Regency Government extends its gratitude to all parties, especially the UGM academic community, for their synergy in supporting UGM students who have been serving in Serang Regency for 25 days in the two districts of Tirtayasa and Tanara,” he said.
Field supervisor Dr. Sudaryatno explained that this mangrove planting program focused on Tengkurak Village, located in the coastal area of Tirtayasa District.
He noted that the area has experienced severe coastal abrasion over the past several decades, resulting in shoreline loss, threats to local fish ponds, and damage to the local ecosystem. In response, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing designated approximately 186 hectares of Tengkurak’s coastline as a priority area for mangrove rehabilitation.
“This location was chosen for its strategic role as a green belt to prevent abrasion and its high ecological potential. As part of its Environmental and Social Responsibility (TJSL) program, PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk launched a mangrove conservation initiative targeting the planting of one million mangrove trees along the Banten coast. In 2025, Chandra Asri partnered with UGM’s KKN-PPM Unit Sagara Tirtayasa to strengthen educational and community empowerment approaches through public outreach and mangrove education for residents and students,” he explained on Monday (Aug. 11).
Through this mass mangrove planting collaboration, the KKN-PPM team secured CSR funding from PT Chandra Asri Tbk amounting to IDR 7 million to conduct mangrove education programs for various groups, including elementary, junior high, and high school students, youth organizations, and coastal communities.
Beyond their ecological importance, mangroves hold significant economic value through carbon trading. One of their main contributions is their capacity to absorb and store large amounts of carbon (carbon sink), which can be converted into carbon credits for trade. The price of carbon in Indonesia varies depending on the project type, location, and trading mechanism.
“In the global market, carbon prices are much higher, especially in regions with strict regulations. In the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), carbon prices can exceed USD 80 per ton of CO₂ equivalent, or around IDR 1.2 million per ton, according to CNBC Indonesia. This means that if the mangrove rehabilitation project in Tengkurak is developed seriously and internationally verified, the potential economic value of the stored carbon stock could be far greater than local market estimates,” Dr. Sudaryatno added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographs: KKN-PPM Serang Banten