Bunyu Island – In observance of World Mangrove Day, PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field conducted a mangrove planting event around the company's operational area on Bunyu Island, utilizing the Artificial Mangrove Tide seedling system. This implementation of the Artificial Mangrove Tide technique is the first of its kind in Indonesia and has received a patent from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia/ Kementerian Hukum dan HAM RI under the title "Metode Pembibitan Mangrove dengan Mekanisme Kolam Pasang Surut Air Tawar dan Substrat Buatan."

Artificial Mangrove Tide is a technique for ex-situ mangrove seedlings or cultivation outside its natural habitat using artificial tidal ponds (siphon bell). Typically, mangrove seedling techniques rely on natural sea tidal changes. With the Artificial Mangrove Tide technique, the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) can be applied, primarily through processing organic waste into compost, which is part of the artificial substrate composition. Additionally, it helps reduce plastic waste from polybags by substituting them with HDPE polybags that have a lifespan of up to 10 times longer.

In his remarks, Acting Senior Manager of Bunyu Field, Benny Kawira, stated that the mangrove planting activity is a demonstration of PEP Bunyu Field's commitment to environmental preservation and biodiversity protection around the company's operational area to achieve a Net Positive Impact (NPI).

"With the Artificial Mangrove Tide technique, we can conserve water through rainwater harvesting and facilitate maintenance, monitoring, and pest control. This enhances the success rate of mangrove seedlings and eliminates potential biological hazards such as snakes, estuarine crocodiles, and wild dogs," explained Benny.

He mentioned that PEP Bunyu Field conducts regular mangrove planting activities to preserve the mangrove conservation area within the PEP Bunyu work zone, specifically in open areas with sandy and slightly muddy substrates directly facing the sea.

World Mangrove Day is observed annually on July 26. This year, Bunyu Field planted mangroves on August 3, 2024. The mangrove species planted is Avicennia alba, known for its strong morphology and ability to survive in sandy substrates and strong currents.

Meanwhile, Bulungan Regent Syarwani expressed support and hopes for the synergy between PEP Bunyu Field and the local government to ensure this sustainable green development. "Let us preserve the ecosystem of our beloved Bunyu Island to be the best legacy for our future generations," he said.

In addition to tree planting, PEP Bunyu Field is committed to implementing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which supports community development and independence in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), precisely Goal 13 on Climate Action and Goal 14 on Life Below Water.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Bunyu Field operates under Subholding Upstream Regional 3, managed by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI), conducting upstream oil and gas operations by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In collaboration with SKK Migas, PEP Bunyu Field, and other PHI subsidiaries and affiliates run innovative CSR programs in Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support sustainable community empowerment and the achievement of the SDGs. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For more information about PHI, visit https://phi.pertamina.com.