PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI has made positive progress in its mangrove rehabilitation program, which will run until the end of 2025. One of the main initiatives is the Teluk Pangpang Mangrove Forest Regeneration Program in Banyuwangi, East Java, which is designed to restore the coastal ecosystem while strengthening the local economy.
This mangrove rehabilitation program is part of BNI's Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) in the sustainability pillar, specifically in the aspects of Inclusion & Resilience. The activity targets coastal areas that have experienced a decline in mangrove cover due to coastal abrasion, land conversion to fish ponds, and illegal logging activities that threaten the balance of the ecosystem.
The program, which runs from August 2024 to August 2027, includes a series of integrated activities, ranging from seedling cultivation and planting to sustainable mangrove maintenance. BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said the initiative is designed to have a long-term impact on both the environment and coastal communities.
“BNI is committed to implementing TJSL programs that have a real and sustainable impact, particularly in maintaining environmental balance while promoting the welfare of coastal communities,” Okki said in a written statement.
The implementation of the Pangpang Bay Mangrove Forest Regeneration Program carries the concept of Creating Shared Value (CSV), which emphasizes the creation of shared value between companies, communities, and the environment. Through this approach, BNI not only contributes to ecosystem restoration, but also strengthens the role of corporations in the national sustainable development agenda.
The program is aligned with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Mangrove rehabilitation activities involve the Baret Community Monitoring Group (Pokmaswas) and the active participation of coastal women and youth. The involvement of local communities is considered a key factor in maintaining the sustainability of rehabilitation results, while fostering a sense of ownership of the restored mangrove areas.
From an environmental perspective, mangrove regeneration in Pangpang Bay has had a significant impact, including reducing coastal erosion, improving water quality, and restoring the habitat of various coastal biota such as fiddler crabs, lemuru fish, and migratory birds. Mangrove ecosystems also function as effective natural carbon sinks, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Not only focusing on ecological aspects, BNI also integrates community economic empowerment through three main interventions, namely the development of mangrove edu-tourism areas, the strengthening of mangrove nurseries as a new source of income, and the revitalization of supporting infrastructure to sustain the social and economic activities of coastal communities.
As part of strengthening local capacity, BNI organizes various training sessions and workshops related to mangrove nursery techniques and maintenance, community-based conservation, and educational tourism management. This program is expected to increase ecological awareness, strengthen social cohesion, and open up new conservation-based business opportunities.
“Through this mangrove rehabilitation, BNI wants to ensure that environmental conservation efforts can go hand in hand with strengthening the community's economy, thereby creating long-term benefits for future generations,” Okki emphasized.
Going forward, BNI affirms its commitment to continue implementing sustainable practices that have a real impact on the environment and society. The mangrove rehabilitation program in Banyuwangi is one example of BNI's active role in supporting coastal ecosystem resilience and promoting sustainable local economic development.