Petrokimia Gresik Commemorates World Mangrove Day with Planting of 5,100 Saplings

Petrokimia Gresik, a prominent company in Agroindustry Solutions and a member of the Pupuk Indonesia holding, is observing World Mangrove Day by planting 5,100 mangrove saplings in collaboration with the Head of the Gresik Environmental Agency, Sri Subaidah. The plantation is taking place along the Lamong River in Sukorejo Village, Kebomas Subdistrict, Gresik Regency, East Java, a few days ago.

Dwi Satriyo Annurogo, CEO of Petrokimia Gresik, represented by I Ketut Rusnaya, Senior Executive Vice President of Operations at Petrokimia Gresik, expresses that this activity underscores Petrokimia Gresik's support for the mangrove forest rehabilitation program initiated by the Indonesian government. The program is outlined in Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 120 of 2020, with a target to recover mangrove forests covering an area of 600,000 hectares.

"As a manufacturing industry and a key driver of the nation's economy, Petrokimia Gresik has prioritized environmental considerations since its establishment in 1972. This commitment is evident through the routine mangrove rehabilitation activities conducted by Petrokimia Gresik along riverbanks and coastlines in Gresik," emphasizes Rusnaya.

A total of 5,100 mangrove saplings are being planted during this event, aligning with Petrokimia Gresik's 51st anniversary, celebrated on July 10, 2023.

This initiative complements the company's Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Responsibility (CSRE) program, including the development of the Kalam Mangrove ecotourism project in Sukorejo Village. Through Petrokimia Gresik's CSRE program, the Lamong River's border area is being transformed into a trash-free zone, a mangrove conservation area, and a new tourism destination.

In addition to Sukorejo, Petrokimia Gresik also implements its CSRE program at the Mangrove Restoration and Plantation Center (PRPM) in Mengare, Tanjungwidoro Village, Bungah Subdistrict, Gresik Regency. PRPM Mengare focuses on empowering communities through coastal ecosystem conservation, aiming to reduce erosion rates, enhance fisheries productivity, and create alternative employment opportunities through integrated coastal ecotourism.

Furthermore, Petrokimia Gresik has contributed to the development of the Essential Ecosystem Area (KEE) in Ujungpangkah Mangrove, receiving recognition from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia in the "Private Sector/Company" category in 2021.

"We hope this initiative inspires all stakeholders to collectively preserve the environment," emphasizes Rusnaya.

Sri Subaidah, Head of the Gresik Environmental Agency, commends Petrokimia Gresik for its ongoing commitment to environmental care. The mangrove forest in Sukorejo serves multiple purposes, including economic benefits as it has become a popular tourist destination.

"We also hope that this planting effort will be sustained. The 5,100 mangrove saplings planted today need continuous care to provide benefits both environmentally and economically," she states.

Meanwhile, Petrokimia Gresik's commitment to environmental conservation earns the company the Gold PROPER (Environmental Performance Rating Program) award for the second time in 2022.

"This recognition serves as a catalyst for Petrokimia Gresik to enhance its commitment to continuous improvement and protection, aiming to prevent the impact of environmental pollution," concludes Rusnaya.