Enviro News Asia, Tangerang — A group of university students participated in the Mangrove Restoration 2026 program in Tangerang, Banten, to strengthen knowledge and practical skills in coastal conservation while promoting youth involvement in protecting mangrove ecosystems.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Knowledge and Conservation Practices for Environmentally Concerned Students,” the initiative brought together 43 students, including 19 committee members and 24 environmental cadres, in activities designed to enhance awareness and participation in ecosystem restoration.
The program, supervised by Faculty of Agriculture lecturer Ir. Sukrianto, M.A. from Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta (UMJ), was conducted in collaboration with the Kampung Bahari Nusantara Tangerang Group (KBN TNG), which manages the KSS Coastal State Forest area in Pakuhaji District, Tangerang.
Sukrianto said the activity provided students with hands-on experience and helped strengthen their commitment to sustainable natural resource conservation. He noted that field-based learning enables participants to better understand environmental challenges and the importance of active engagement in preserving ecosystems.
According to Sukrianto, the participants took part in a series of practical activities aimed at protecting coastal environments. The program began with a beach cleanup campaign, during which collected waste materials were repurposed to construct wave breakers, locally known as Alat Pemecah Ombak (APO), to reduce wave impacts and help stabilize coastal areas.
The students later attended educational sessions on mangrove ecosystems and conservation programs implemented by KBN TNG. Through these discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the role of mangrove forests in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.
As the highlight of the program, students explored the mangrove forest area and participated directly in reforestation activities by planting mangrove seedlings. The exercise provided practical experience in mangrove restoration techniques while reinforcing awareness of the importance of youth participation in protecting and rehabilitating coastal ecosystems.
Organizers said the initiative reflects growing efforts to encourage environmental stewardship among younger generations and strengthen community-based approaches to coastal conservation and climate resilience. (*)
