PULAU PARI, Indonesia Feb 20, 2025 — On the northern fringes of Jakarta, the island of Pulau Pari lies exposed to the swelling seas and eroding coastlines that have become a pressing reality across Indonesia’s archipelago. Here, the waves lap ever closer to homes, and plastic waste chokes marine life. In response, WIKA Beton, a leading Indonesian precast concrete company, has taken an unconventional approach for an industrial firm: planting mangroves.

On February 20, 2025, WIKA Beton led the planting of 1,800 mangrove seedlings along Pulau Pari’s shoreline, an initiative timed to coincide with Indonesia’s National Waste Awareness Day. This nature-based solution aims to curb coastal erosion, restore ecosystems, and safeguard livelihoods in a nation where climate resilience is fast becoming a development imperative.

A Nation at the Frontline of Climate Threats
Indonesia, home to 17,000 islands, is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to rising sea levels. Small islands like Pulau Pari are already bearing the brunt. Residents recount stories of diminishing shorelines and regular flooding, while plastic debris litters the once-pristine beaches.

Data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) reveals that between 2009 and 2019, the country lost 261,141 hectares of mangrove forests, contributing to approximately 9% of national forestry sector emissions. Mangroves are not only natural buffers against tidal surges—they are among the most effective carbon sinks on the planet, absorbing three to five times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, according to Wetlands International.

Corporate Action in the Face of Crisis
For WIKA Beton, best known for its infrastructure contributions to Indonesia’s booming construction sector, the mangrove planting marks an expansion into environmental stewardship. The company positioned the initiative within its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, reflecting growing recognition across Southeast Asia’s corporate landscape that economic growth cannot come at the expense of environmental degradation.

"We view this not just as a corporate social responsibility event, but as part of a long-term commitment to coastal resilience and sustainability," said a WIKA Beton Director, Rija Judaswara

The effort reflects broader shifts in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, which is aligning its development trajectory with green growth. The country’s Long-Term National Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 identifies the green economy as a pillar for future growth, while President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has emphasized strengthening both green and blue economies—leveraging marine resources sustainably.

A Multi-Stakeholder Push
The mangrove project in Pulau Pari was not a solo venture. WIKA Beton served as the initiator and coordinator, rallying local government agencies, community leaders, and security forces to work together in what observers described as a model for public-private collaboration.

Among those participating were the Pulau Pari Police Post, local military (Babinsa), public order officers (Satpol PP), transport and fire services, environmental agencies, and community tourism groups (Pokdarwis).

Such collective action is increasingly necessary in Indonesia’s coastal zones, where local governments often lack the resources to address the mounting environmental challenges alone.

The Larger Fight Against Coastal Erosion
Pulau Pari’s plight is mirrored across Indonesia. A study by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) found that 37% of the coastline in the Thousand Islands chain suffers from mild to severe erosion. Without intervention, communities risk displacement.

The stakes extend beyond Indonesia. Across the Asia-Pacific, small island nations are confronting similar fates, amplifying calls for nature-based solutions like mangrove reforestation to be scaled up.

For Pulau Pari, the 1,800 seedlings represent more than environmental restoration—they symbolize hope. Whether this initiative leads to lasting change will depend on sustained maintenance and broader ecosystem protection efforts.

A Call for Continuity
Mangrove projects often falter after initial enthusiasm wanes. Experts emphasize that the real challenge lies in ensuring that the trees take root and thrive—a process requiring years of monitoring and local engagement.

WIKA Beton’s initiative, while commendable, will need continued support and replication across other vulnerable islands to make a tangible difference.

As Indonesia charts its path toward climate resilience and green development, Pulau Pari’s mangroves may serve as a small but potent reminder that safeguarding the future of its coastal communities starts with the simplest of acts: planting trees.