Coinciding with World Mangrove Day, which is celebrated every July 26, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting coastal ecosystem preservation through mangrove rehabilitation, which simultaneously creates economic opportunities for the community. This initiative is part of BNI's implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Through the BNI Berbagi Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Program, the company has planted 258,000 mangrove seedlings over the past eight years in a number of strategic coastal areas, namely Mempawah (West Kalimantan), Kebumen (Central Java), Seribu Islands (DKI Jakarta), Banyuwangi (East Java), and Pamekasan (East Java).
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo said that mangrove rehabilitation is part of BNI’s strategy to build coastal resilience through a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) approach. This initiative is also in line with the transformation direction of state-owned enterprises under Danantara Indonesia, which focuses on creating sustainable added value for the community and the national economy with a spirit of wholehearted service.
“Mangrove conservation not only restores coastal ecosystems but also creates new sources of livelihood for local communities. That is why we involve farmer groups and residents in every stage—from seedling production and planting to the development of ecotourism and mangrove-based products—so that the benefits of conservation can be felt directly,” Okki said in a written statement.
In addition to absorbing natural carbon (a carbon sink), mangroves also protect coastal areas from abrasion, high waves, and sea level rise. This ecosystem also serves as a vital habitat for various marine life, supporting fisheries and maintaining the sustainability of coastal resources.
This approach also encourages the growth of mangrove-based economic activities, ranging from ecotourism to the development of processed products, so that the benefits of rehabilitation do not stop at environmental aspects, but also strengthen the welfare of coastal communities.
The program's impact has been measurable. An evaluation of the Mangrove Forest Regeneration Program in Banyuwangi showed a Community Satisfaction Index (CSI) of 84.09 percent, reflecting high public appreciation for the quality of the program's implementation and benefits.
"The spirit of Swadharma Bhakti Nagara drives BNI to continue presenting programs that provide real benefits to the community. Therefore, each of our CSR initiatives is aimed at creating a sustainable impact on the environment while strengthening the local economy," Okki emphasized.
Moving forward, BNI will continue to expand collaboration with the government, academics, communities, farmer groups, and various other stakeholders to strengthen mangrove rehabilitation while developing a coastal ecosystem-based economy.
In line with the transformation of SOEs under Danantara Indonesia, these efforts are expected to create sustainable added value for the community and support national economic growth.