IPB University Students Together with Dompet Dhuafa Plant 1,000 Mangroves at Bahagia Beach

Several IPB University students held an environmental action synergy by planting 1,000 mangroves at Bahagia Beach, Muara Gembong, Bekasi, West Java. The action-themed ‘Sustainable Mangroves, Create a Radiant Earth’ is a collaboration between all elements of students, residents, and non-governmental organizations in the Jakarta area, one of which is Dompet Dhuafa.

One of the IPB University students involved, Latif Hidayatul Ikhsan said, mangroves have a very beneficial function for nature, both in terms of physical, biological, and economic. “The situation of increasing global warming inspires us to take one of the preventive measures by planting mangroves,” he said.

He said the existence of mangrove forests is vital in protecting and preventing the earth from the effects of climate change, in addition to global warming. Other benefits of mangrove forests include maintaining climate and weather, tourism, sources of animal feed, preventing abrasion of coastal areas, beach anchorage,e, and scientific development.

“Youth must play an active role in protecting nature. Let’s not let our earth to live in with our children and grandchildren feel uncomfortable or damaged, so let’s invite each other to do good in protecting the environment, at least protecting the environment from garbage,” said Latif, who is also the Coordinator of the National Forum for Social Society (Fornassosmas) of the Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM-SI) region IV.

Suwarna, as a resident of Muara Gembong Village, admitted that he welcomed the activities of IPB University students in planting mangroves. He also looks forward to other empowerment programs from the younger generation. “We are very grateful that we protect the earth that we love together,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/TNY)