Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA) held an event titled “Rooting for Future: Penanaman Pohon Bersama Hari Lingkungan Hidup PAMA-UGM-IKN Eco Edu Forest” (Rooting For Future: Tree Planting for PAMA–UGM–IKN Eco Edu Forest Environmental Day) at Wanagama Nusantara in Nusantara Capital Authority (IKN) on Friday, Jun. 5, to commemorate World Environment Day 2026. The event was attended by the Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN), representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, executives of PT PAMA, and the Rector of UGM.
Planting various native species was one of the main activities of the event. Numerous seedlings were planted as a shared commitment to strengthening Kalimantan’s native ecosystems, restoring vegetation cover, and preserving biodiversity in the IKN area. These species are expected to enrich biodiversity while supporting the development of a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem in the IKN region.
The Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, expressed his deepest appreciation for the collaborative initiative between UGM and PAMA in organizing the tree-planting activity. He emphasized that the development of IKN is not solely focused on physical infrastructure but also on ecological sustainability, which underpins the Forest City concept.
Basuki stressed that tree planting should not be viewed merely as an annual ceremonial activity. Instead, it should become part of the community’s lifestyle, particularly in the IKN area.
“Tree planting should not be a once-a-year event. It must become a lifestyle and part of daily activities. OIKN is working to embed tree-planting programs into the lifestyle of the community,” said Basuki on Friday (Jun. 5).
UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that the theme “Rooting for the Future” carries a highly relevant message for sustainable development. According to her, a resilient future can only be built through scientific knowledge, environmental awareness, cross-sector collaboration, and a long-term commitment to sustainability.
On the occasion, Professor Ova Emilia explained that Wanagama Nusantara holds a strategic position in supporting the development of IKN as a space for learning, research, innovation, and collaboration that connects scientific knowledge with environmental management practices.
“This morning’s tree planting is not merely a ceremonial activity but part of a collective commitment to supporting the vision of Nusantara Capital Authority as a Forest City. Every tree planted is a long-term ecological investment and a symbol of our shared commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future,” she said.
Professor Ova Emilia also expressed appreciation to PT PAMA, OIKN, the Ministry of Forestry, and all parties that contributed to the event. She emphasized that partnerships among universities, government institutions, and the business sector are essential for generating broader, more sustainable impacts in support of environmental conservation.
“The success of this initiative will be determined by the consistency of all parties in maintaining it and ensuring that its ecological benefits can be enjoyed in the long term,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the Security and External Relations Department Head of PT PAMA, Gunawan Setiadi, stated that PAMA remains committed to tropical forest restoration efforts, including through the development of the Wanagama Nusantara area. As part of the Rooting for Future initiative, PAMA has established a mini nursery that serves as a plant propagation center and an educational facility for the wider community.
The program also includes the development of an Agroforestry Park as a sustainable green space expected to strengthen ecological functions and expand vegetation cover in the IKN area. Gunawan emphasized that while the current efforts may appear small, collective action can create a significant impact.
A similar view was expressed by Muhammad Zainal Arifin, Secretary of the Directorate General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry. Zainal affirmed that tropical forest restoration is a government priority, with Wanagama Nusantara serving as one of its strategic locations.
“I believe these efforts are fully aligned with the spirit of Rooting for Future as a manifestation of our shared commitment to restoring and preserving Indonesia’s forests,” he said.
On World Environment Day 2026, the Tree Planting Together initiative served as a tangible demonstration of UGM’s commitment, alongside its partners PT PAMA and OIKN, to supporting environmental preservation, biodiversity conservation, and the development of areas aligned with sustainability principles.
Through collaboration among universities, industry, and government, the spirit of Rooting for Future is expected not only to take root in Wanagama Nusantara but also to grow and spread as a collective movement that inspires all segments of society. The initiative further underscores that IKN is not merely a development project but an ecological legacy being built responsibly for future generations.
Author: Diyana Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: BMS Documentation