Marangkayu – Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT) continues realizing its commitment in sustaining the environment and developing ecotourism in the vicinity of its operational area. It was implemented through planting mangroves on Biru Beach, Kersik Village, Marangkayu Sub-district, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, in cooperation with Sahabat Mangrove, a group fostered by PHKT. In 2021, it is recorded that a total of 10,000 mangrove trees have been planted. To be more specific, the first planting event was in January, in which 3,000 trees were planted. Another 3,000 mangroves were planted in the second wave in July, and 4,000 mangroves were planted in the third wave of planting on 28 August 2021.

Present in the third planting event  were a Representative of Environment & Forestry Office of Kutai Kartanegara Regency (DLHK Kukar) Yudiarta, the Head of Public Welfare Section of Marangkayu Sub-district Saharuddin, and several prominent people of the area. A mangrove was planted as a symbolic gesture to commence the event, following a strict health protocol. On that occasion, the Head of Public Welfare Section of Marangkayu Sub-district Saharuddin expressed his appreciation for PHKT and Sahabat Mangrove, who not only planted but also took care and monitored the growth of mangroves planted since 2020. He also expressed his hopes that Sahabat Mangrove’s activities could be included in the Regional Budget for Human Resources of Kersik Village.

On the same occasion, the Representative of DLHK Kukar Yudiarta also said that Kukar Government currently has mapped peatlands and coastal boundaries to be sustained using mangroves to protect them from abrasion.  “DLHK Kukar really appreciates Pertamina / PHKT and other businesses that work together with the people and the government to maintain environmental sustainability, especially in coastal boundaries,” said Yudiarta.

 

Representing PHKT management, the Superintendent of Santan Terminal Joko Purwono also expressed his appreciation for the support from all stakeholders that the mangrove restoration in Kersik area could be implemented. “Mangrove planting on Kersik Beach is a long-term program which will provide a lot of benefits for the communities, particularly in Kersik Village, both economic and ecological benefits,” said Joko.

As a follow up of this program, plans to do another planting in 2022 and hold SMMEs training for processing mangrove fruits into various food and beverage products which will provide economic value for the surrounding communities.

In addition, Kersik Beach will also be turned into an ecotourism destination and mangrove education site. Kersik Beach area can provide a lot of in-depth information concerning the uses and benefits of mangroves, including preserving sea habitat since mangrove forest is a home for many species such as fish, shrimps, and crabs. The roots of mangrove trees will also clear the seawater, prevent abrasion, and reduce the risk of tsunami. Mangrove can also maintain the air quality because it can absorb carbon up to five times more than tropical forest.

PHKT continues supporting Kersik Village through Climate Village Program (Proklim) organized by the Ministry of Environment in 2021, in which Kersik Village was ranked as Proklim Pratama. In addition, PHKT as part of Zone 10, along with other subsidiaries of Subholding Upstream Regional Kalimantan, will keep its commitment in supporting government program through various sustainable environment management and preservation programs, and community development through CSR programs, as well as continue building active partnership with communities and stakeholders in the vicinity of PHKT operational areas.