Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) have undertaken a mangrove planting initiative in Bakau Serip Village, Batam City, Riau Islands. This environmental preservation effort involved students and the local youth community on Wednesday (Jul. 17).
The Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, attended the event. While monitoring and evaluating the KKN-PPM activities, he emphasized that planting mangrove trees in Bakau Serip Village, Batam City, Riau Islands, demonstrates UGM’s commitment to environmental care for the planet’s future.
UGM has committed to mitigating environmental issues and climate change by organizing a mangrove planting activity in Bakau Serip Village, Batam City, Riau Islands. This initiative is part of the KKN-PPM program, which aims to engage the younger generation, particularly students, in environmental conservation efforts.
“Planting these trees is a moral responsibility for the sake of our descendants, to ensure the well-being of humanity. A protected earth ensures a prosperous society and a sovereign nation,” Dr. Sujito stated.
He noted that the mangrove planting activity not only aims at environmental conservation but also at promoting ecotourism in the mangrove area. He highlighted the economic potential of the mangrove ecosystem that the local community might benefit from.
“By leveraging the mangrove environment, we can develop ecotourism activities that can provide economic benefits for the local community,” said Dr. Sujito.
Bakau Serip Village is a beautiful village rich in extensive mangrove forests. This area has been identified as a potential site for ecotourism development, which is expected to attract visitors and generate income for residents.
Students and residents along the coastline carried out the process of planting young mangrove seedlings. This planting is expected to help prevent coastal erosion, provide habitat for marine life, and contribute to carbon absorption.
The Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamaji, and Dr. Djarot Heru Santosa, Secretary of the Directorate of Community Service, were also present at the event. They both appreciated the efforts of the KKN-PPM students and expressed their support for this initiative, encouraging more collaborative efforts between the university and the local community in addressing environmental issues.
This mangrove planting event is part of UGM’s broader strategy to involve students in real-world environmental conservation projects. By participating in such activities, students gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental management.
The actions of the KKN-PPM students align with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which concerns Clean Water and Sanitation. This effort ensures the availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation.
Through the mangrove planting, the role of higher education in fostering environmental responsibility among the younger generation is highlighted. Gerry, one of the managers of mangrove ecotourism in Bakau Serip Village, shared his impression after planting mangroves with the KKN-PPM students.
“We are very grateful for UGM’s presence as one of the major universities in Indonesia, and we are participating in preserving the ecosystem by planting in this mangrove ecotourism area,” he said.
The mangrove planting event in Bakau Serip Village also demonstrates UGM’s dedication to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Activities like this are expected to serve as a model for other universities and communities, showing that collective efforts in environmental preservation yield significant positive impacts on society.
Author/Editor: Dn Halimah/Agung Nugroho
Photo: KKN Team, Galang City Unit, Batam, Riau Islands