Mangrove forests play an important role as coastal protection from abrasion, carbon absorption, biodiversity habitat, water quality maintenance, fisheries support, and a source of livelihood for coastal communities. However, the existence of mangroves in Indonesia continues to degrade due to land conversion and unsustainable human activities.

In commemoration of Earth Day, observed every April 22, BRI through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program BRI Peduli reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through BRI Menanam-Grow & Green, which involved planting 500 mangrove trees in the coastal area of Muara Gembong, Bekasi Regency, West Java.

In this activity, BRI Peduli collaborated with the Sumber Makmur Forest Farmer Group (KTH) and planted mangroves over an area of 500 square meters.

The mangrove planting activity in Muara Gembong is a tangible form of BRI’s commitment to saving coastal ecosystems that currently face high vulnerability to abrasion, seawater intrusion, and ecosystem degradation. Mangrove planting was chosen because of its strategic role in protecting coastlines, improving environmental quality, and providing habitat for various coastal biota.

“The Earth Day momentum symbolizes care for the environment and encourages active community participation in maintaining the sustainability of coastal environmental preservation. It is hoped to have a long-term impact, improve environmental quality, and increase carbon absorption and storage,” said a BRI representative.

In implementing the BRI Menanam – Grow & Green program, BRI collaborates with various parties, including non-profit organizations and local communities, for a specific period. This demonstrates a tangible form of sustainable initiatives that are continuously monitored and evaluated for their success.

“We also empower local farmer groups. Hopefully, this program becomes a platform to realize sustainable development practices with the goals of preserving the environment, absorbing carbon, empowering communities, and improving the economy,” added the representative.

Since its launch in 2023, BRI Menanam – Grow & Green has planted 75,000 mangrove trees with a potential carbon absorption of 29.56 tons per year. This program is carried out in stages, starting from program design, seedling provision, planting, maintenance, data collection on tree development conditions, and measurement of carbon stock and absorption potential.

In addition to mangrove planting activities, BRI Peduli also carried out the release of fish and crabs as an effort to maintain the stability of the food chain in the coastal ecosystem and support the sustainability of fishery resources.

In this area, BRI Peduli has previously provided assistance for the construction of supporting infrastructure for fishing groups and residents. This assistance includes the construction of bridges, multipurpose rooms, prayer rooms, toilets, fishing piers, culinary stalls for MSMEs, greenhouses/hatcheries, and educational tourism boats.

On a separate occasion, a representative of the Sumber Makmur KTH management expressed that the threat of environmental damage and the widespread depletion of natural resources have caused anxiety among the community in their area. The collaboration with BRI through the BRI Menanam – Grow & Green program is one of the hopes for saving the area from damage caused by abrasion.

“Hopefully, synergy and activities like this can continue sustainably at the Muara Gembong Mangrove Ecotourism site. Hopefully, in the future, this program can reach more residents and provide increasingly broad positive impacts for the welfare and economic independence of our community,” he said.

Overall, BRI through the BRI Menanam – Grow & Green program has planted and maintained 153,100 seedlings, 5,448 coral fragments, and restored 3,000 seagrass stands, involving 31 community groups.

PBG Compliance Crisis in Bandung, Thousands of Permits Issued Without Progress Reports

The Bandung City Department of Public Works, Construction, and Spatial Planning recorded that more than 2,000 Building Construction Permits (PBG) were issued throughout 2025. However, behind this number, public compliance is concerning; only a handful of building owners reported construction stages, raising concerns about weak urban spatial planning supervision.

Data revealed that the reporting rate for

Muara Gembong

Muara Gembong is a coastal district in Bekasi Regency, West Java, Indonesia, known for its mangrove forests and traditional fishing villages. Historically, it was a significant area for salt production and trade during the Dutch colonial era, and it later became a key location for aquaculture and fisheries. Today, the region faces environmental challenges such as coastal erosion and mangrove degradation, prompting ongoing conservation and ecotourism efforts.

Bekasi Regency

Bekasi Regency is a region in West Java, Indonesia, with a history dating back to the Tarumanagara Kingdom in the 5th century, as evidenced by the Tugu Inscription. Historically an agricultural area, it has undergone rapid urbanization and industrialization, particularly since the late 20th century, becoming a major hub for manufacturing and residential development on the outskirts of Jakarta. Today, it is known for its mix of traditional villages, industrial estates, and modern suburban communities.

West Java

West Java is a province in Indonesia known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes and lush tea plantations. Historically, it was a center of the Sundanese Kingdom and later came under Dutch colonial influence, which shaped its development and infrastructure. Today, it remains a vibrant region blending traditional Sundanese arts, such as angklung music, with modern urban centers like Bandung.

Muara Gembong Mangrove Ecotourism

Muara Gembong Mangrove Ecotourism is a conservation and tourism area located on the northern coast of Java, Indonesia. It was developed to restore and protect the region’s mangrove forests, which had suffered from deforestation and erosion, while also providing a sustainable livelihood for local communities. Today, visitors can explore the lush mangroves by boat, observe diverse wildlife, and learn about the ecosystem’s importance in mitigating coastal erosion and climate change.

Bandung City

Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, is a major city known for its colonial architecture, cool climate, and role in hosting the historic 1955 Asia-Africa Conference. Originally established by the Dutch in the early 20th century as a planned city, it became a center for the Indonesian independence movement and later a hub for creative industries and education. Today, Bandung is a popular destination for its blend of cultural heritage, shopping, and natural surroundings.

Bandung City Department of Public Works, Construction, and Spatial Planning

The Bandung City Department of Public Works, Construction, and Spatial Planning is a local government agency responsible for infrastructure development, construction oversight, and urban spatial planning in Bandung, Indonesia. Its history is tied to Bandung’s growth as a colonial-era city, where early urban planning efforts were established under Dutch rule. Today, the department continues to manage the city’s physical development, balancing modernization with preservation of Bandung’s architectural heritage.