Berakit, July 31, 2025 – PT PLN (Persero) UIP3B SUMATRA UPT Pekanbaru, through the Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program officially launched the PLN Peduli Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Program in Berakit Village, Teluk Sebong District, Bintan Regency. The program, which is run in collaboration with the Riau Islands Ecology Foundation (YEKR), targets the planting of 15,000 Rhizophora stylosa mangrove trees in stages, with direct involvement of local community groups as the main actors. The inauguration was marked by joint mangrove planting and was attended by more than 161 participants from various elements, ranging from the government, academics, business actors, media, to NGOs/NGOs. This momentum is a symbol of collaboration to overcome the threat of abrasion, seawater intrusion, and other ecological damage.

In her remarks, Senior Manager of Finance, Communication, and General Affairs of PT PLN UIP3B Sumatra, Yenti Elfina, emphasized that this program is part of PLN's responsibility not only in electricity distribution, but also in reducing carbon emissions towards zero emissions. After planting 10,000 mangroves in Aceh Besar, PLN continues a similar step in Berakit Village with a target of 15,000 mangroves, which is expected to have a major impact on environmental sustainability and coastal communities. Appreciation came from the Assistant for Economic Administration and Development of Bintan Regency, M. Panca Azdigoena, who assessed this program as a long-term investment for ecosystem protection, strengthening the community's economy, through ecotourism and local products, and climate change adaptation. In line with that, the Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Marine and Fisheries Service, Dr. Said Sudrajat, emphasized that the restoration of coastal ecosystems is a common agenda across sectors, and the PLN program is proof that collaboration between the business world, the government, and the community is able to present ecological solutions as well as social benefits.

In addition to focusing on ecology, this program also touches on social and educational aspects. The series of activities included Environmental Education (PLH) with local school students, Nutritious Meals with MTs.S Berakit children, delivery of basic food assistance to 20 villagers, and mangrove ecosystem monitoring training for community groups. The program facilitator from YEKR, Rahima Zakia, explained that the activity had begun with a baseline survey, the seeding of 15,000 mangroves by the Panglong community business group, to the involvement of KKN UGM, STAINSAR students, and beneficiary community groups in planting. According to her, this program is not only planting mangroves, but also building collective awareness of the community to protect the coast while strengthening economic empowerment, through local businesses of fishery products such as fish crackers, smoked fish, salted fish, chips, and mangrove derivative products in the form of ecoprint batik that uses mangroves as their natural dyes.

The event was closed with a special meal of Berakit Village which serves traditional marine culinary such as black cooked cuttlefish, fat cooked fish, shrimp sambal, and ketupat with side dishes caught by local fishermen. The atmosphere was even more lively with the performance of the traditional game of gasing by village youth which showed agility as well as cultural preservation. The presence of these local dishes and products confirms that ecosystem recovery can go hand in hand with strengthening the cultural and economic identity of the community. With the spirit of mutual cooperation, PLN through PLN Peduli is committed to continuing to make a real contribution to a sustainable environment, a prosperous society, and a culture that is maintained.