Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting

From electricity consumption and infrastructure development to manufacturing and distribution, the industrial sector stands among the world’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), direct industrial emissions account for nearly 22% of total global emissions, while indirect emissions – from electricity and industrial heat – contribute another 31%. This places the industrial sector at the center of the climate challenge and makes it a priority for emission reduction. 

Recognizing this responsibility, Jaya Obayashi has strengthened its commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental protection through sustainability-driven initiatives. Hardy Tekyawan, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, explained the company not only complies with ISO 14001 international environmental management, but also strives to go beyond compliance by taking direct action. 

“Our parent company is deeply committed to sustainability and, as a construction subsidiary, we are encouraged to actively contribute as well. It’s no longer just about meeting regulations, but about taking part in real environmental action,” he said

Turing Commitment into Action: 500 Trees for Urban Forest Expansion 

As part of their ongoing sustainability efforts, Jaya Obayashi has committed to expanding the urban forest located within the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) area in Cikarang, West Java – one of Indonesia’s largest and most active industrial hubs in the Greater Jakarta region. With support from Trees4Trees, Jaya Obayashi recently planted 500 trees in this location. 

Kentaro Miyashita, Jaya Obayashi’s General Affairs Admin Advisor, confirmed that over 50 employees from various divisions took part in this initiative as planting volunteers. “Every year, we improve and strengthen our sustainability program, while also encouraging more staff to connect to environmental protection efforts,” he said. 

Hardy added that the company’s approach to sustainability applies across all business levels, from head office to project sites. “Our internal engagement must be strong, so everyone consciously participates in environmental responsibility.” 

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting
Hardy (left), a member of the Jaya Obayashi Board of Directors, receives a tree-planting certificate from Trees4Trees’ Director, Pandu Budi Wahono.

Beyond Compliance: Annual Sustainable Programs 

Ramdan and Tasya, from the Jaya Obayashi Corporate Communications and Legal team, also explained that urban reforestation is one of several environmental programs which the Company carries out on a regular basis. “In addition to this tree-planting activity,” explained Ramdan, “we also conducted mangrove planting from 2022 to 2024 and have continued our upcycling program for old employee uniforms.” 

Both went on to emphasize that these efforts are designed, not only to address environmental impact, but also to build a culture of awareness within the organization. By engaging and involving employees, the company aims to strengthen environmental consciousness through practical action. 

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees
(Above) Ramdan (crouching in the center) and Tasya (second from the right), together with other Jaya Obayashi employees finish planting trees in a plot of land within the GIIC industrial area. (Below) Over 50 members of staff from Jaya Obayashi join in the tree-planting activity.

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees

Reversing the Damage, Contributing to Climate Action 

The urban forest planting initiative forms part of Jaya Obayashi’s broader vision to help restore the ecological function of industrial landscapes – areas often exposed to higher temperatures, increased emissions, and land degradation. Tree planting serves as a way to mitigate ecological stress while contributing to positive climate action.

“We all know that global warming is worsening,” says Ramdan. “Through initiatives like this, we are aligning our efforts with the UN SDGs by taking real action.” The company hopes the newly planted trees will provide long-term environmental improvements, while converting unused areas into green buffer zones. 

Tomi Bustomi, Trees4Trees’ Regional Manager for West Java, explained that a mix of tree species was selected to accelerate canopy formation. “These trees sequester emissions and produce oxygen,” he said. “We use a combination of shade trees like rain trees along with fast-growing species such as gmelina, albizia, and cadamba to speed up greening and ecological recovery.” 

The event was also joined by Trees4Trees Green Ambassadors Tantri (Kotak) and Arda Hatna, whose presence brought extra excitement to the initiative. “The energy and enthusiasm were incredible,” said Tantri. “We hope these trees will help ease today’s climate challenges, growing into shade and absorbing emissions in this industrial area.” 

Their participation shows how collective action can inspire more people to take part in real climate solutions. 

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting
Tomi Bustomi helps a volunteer with the hands-on aspect of Jaya Obayashi’s tree-planting program.
Arda and Tantri plant trees with Trees4Trees
Arda and Tantri, Trees4Trees green ambassadors joined the tree-planting as volunteers.
A Sense of Peace and Purpose 

Hardy emphasized that the initiative is meant, not only to restore the environment, but also to demonstrate the value of trees to human life. “We love trees because they give us oxygen and support the well-being of humankind and all living creatures. I hope this program inspires others to follow a similar path,” he said. 

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees
(Above) After planting each seedling, Kentaro braces them with a supporting stake, which will help them to grow tall and strong. (Below) Trees4Trees and Jaya Obayashi staff members, working together in the GIIC industrial area.

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting

Sharing the same sentiment, Kentaro highlighted the cultural perspectives rooted in the company’s Japanese heritage. “Wooden houses are traditionally very common in Japan, so we naturally feel a cultural closeness to trees,” he explained. Trees, he noted, symbolize both beauty and life. “When we look at trees, they bring a sense of peace. The greenery is soothing to the eyes.”  

In closing, he emphasized that protecting trees today means protecting the future. Continuing planting and protecting trees is not just an environmental responsibility, but also a way of preserving life and culture for future generations. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita 

Tantri “Kotak” and Arda Hatna: Small Action to Fight Climate Change

Tantri "Kotak"

Unpredictable seasons, rising heatwaves, heavier rainfall, extreme floods, cyclones, and prolonged drought – all show how much more intense the weather has become in recent years. These are not random events but signals that climate change is speeding up. Its impacts are already present in our daily lives, affecting our food supply, clean water access, health, and the safety of our homes and communities. 

The World Meteorogical Organization recently confirmed that last 2024 was the warmest year ever recorded since 1850. The past decade has also been the hottest on record, marking an alarming pattern of rapid global warming. 

Tantri "Kotak"

By 2030, climate change is projected to push between 32 and 132 million more people into extreme poverty. Meanwhile, global ice loss has surged from 0.8 trillion tonnes per year in the 1990s to 1.3 trillion tonnes annually by 2017. As ice melts, sea levels rise — increasing the risk of coastal flooding, especially in archipelagic nations like Indonesia. This threatens coastal communities, ecosystems, and wildlife habitats, making climate mitigation more urgent than ever. 

Speaking about the climate impacts we are witnessing today, during the tree-planting event with Trees4Trees and Jaya Obayashi in the GIIC industrial area, Cikarang, Trees4Trees ambassadors Tantri Syalindri (lead vocalist of Kotak Band) and Arda Hatna (solo singer) shared how each of us can play a role in slowing climate change, starting from simple, everyday actions. 

A Reflection Inspired by a Movie 

Arda shared that his awareness of environmental protection grew after witnessing unusual weather patterns in recent years. “I’ve realized how enormous and visible the effects of climate change have become. We can feel it directly – the seasons are no longer predictable; the dry season lasts too long, and the rainy season can be just as extreme. Diseases and viruses are also appearing more frequently. I believe climate change plays a major role in all of this,” he said. 

Interestingly, beyond the changing weather, his deeper self-awareness was sparked by reflecting on an antagonist character from a movie.  

“Honestly, I became more interested in environmental issues in 2019, after watching the Avengers movie,” he shared. “The villain, Thanos, wanted to wipe out half of the world’s population because he believed the Earth couldn’t sustain billions of people and provide all human needs. After watching it, I started to wonder – was he wrong, or was there a point? If we keep using up natural resources without giving anything back, eventually the planet won’t survive and neither will we.” 

He went on to explain that this also applies to trees. “If we cut them down to fulfill our needs, we must also replant them. If we only take and never restore, that greed will destroy our own future.” 

Arda and farmer

Engaging the Family in Better Habits  

Arda also emphasized that climate change is largely driven by human activities and often begins with small bad habits, even within our homes. “For example, using electricity 24 hours a day. Whether we realize it or not, we’re contributing to the climate problem.” He admitted that these habits still exist in his own household, which is why change must begin with daily actions. 

Echoing Arda’s message, Tantri shared that she has also felt the impact of extreme weather and believes the first step toward helping the environment can start from home. “We began by improving our family’s daily habits through small actions,” she said. “We have two children, and we try to lead by example – like not littering and teaching them why waste shouldn’t be thrown carelessly. We also plant trees at home. Some of the trees were planted together with our kids. We gave them planting kits so they could plant on their own.” 

Tantri "Kotak"

Start with Small Actions: Planting Trees 

As musicians, Tantri and her band Kotak began raising environmental awareness as early as 2017 through one of their campaigns. “We were already anxious about the state of the planet back then. Things have only gotten worse today,” she said. Continuing that mission, she now wants to take real action by working with Trees4Trees to help green the Earth – aligning with the spirit of Kotak’s song Hijaukan Bumi (Greening the Earth). 

Recently, together with around 50 volunteers from Jaya Obayashi, Tantri and Arda joined a tree-planting event as part of their commitment to speak up for environmental protection and climate action. The activity is also part of an effort to balance nature with industrial growth through urban forestry within the GIIC industrial area. 

Tantri "Kotak" and Arda

Tantri "Kotak"

“This is our small step to contribute to the Earth, and we hope it will inspire others. We hope the trees we plant become part of the solution to today’s climate challenges. As they grow, they will help absorb emissions – especially in this industrial zone and restore some balance to the environment,” Tantri said. 

Arda added that planting trees may look like a small gesture, but when done collectively, it becomes powerful.  

“I believe Earth doesn’t need superheroes. It only needs many people who care enough to protect it. Because together, we can build a greater movement for this planet – our shared home,” he concluded.  

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita

Community Culture, Interwoven with Mangrove Conservation

Community Culture

Surrounded by over 8,000 hectares of coastal trees and wetlands, Kampung Laut Village is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in Central Java. This verdant water world in Cilacap Regency supports a rich variety of biodiversity, including over 50 distinct mangrove species.  

For the communities of Kampung Laut (a name which means ‘ocean village’ in the Indonesian language), mangroves are essential. Most of the people here work as fishers and recognize the importance of these trees to ecosystem health and productivity. 

But the mangroves’ value goes further still, with roots reaching deep into local culture; the trees provide natural dyes which can be used in the traditional art of batik textiles, thereby transforming nature’s bounty into both cultural heirlooms and economic opportunities. 

In this article, we explore a nascent artisan industry that has emerged in Kampung Laut, inspired by nature and intrinsically connected to land and culture. 

The Birth of Kampung Laut Batik 

The story of Kampung Laut batik began in 2015 when Sodiqin, leader of the Mekar Canting Batik Group, was inspired by a batik-making program on national television. Together with two neighbors, he began to experiment with techniques and materials until they found the right formula. 

“At first, we used natural dyes from ketapang leaves and jengkol tree bark,” Sodiqin recalls. “But I wanted something unique that represents Kampung Laut. I noticed the fallen Rhizopora mangrove fruits scattered on the roads. We were curious to see if they could be used as natural dyes, as many people had claimed.” 

Sodiqin and his friends started collecting Rhizopora fruits, cutting and crushing them, then drying them under the sun for three days before boiling them. “The entire process of producing the natural dye takes about a week,” he says, “and dyeing the cloth needs another three days to a week; it takes a while, but the results are worth the wait.” 

Sodiqin
(Above) Sodiqin, founder of the Mekar Canting Batik Group, which is creating mangrove-inspired fabrics.

Motifs and Materials Inspired by Nature 

In addition to the distinctive brown hues of Rhizophora mangroves, blended with colors from other local trees, batik designs from Kampung Laut are brought to life through patterns and motifs inspired by the sea and the richness of coastal life. 

As Sodiqin explains, “when we asked ourselves what best reflects Kampung Laut, the answer was simple: mangroves and fisheries.” Designs from the Mekar Canting Batik Group feature fish, crabs, shells, shrimp, mangrove fruits, and underwater scenes. 

Most of their batik fabrics are made using a traditional stamping technique, whereby hot wax is applied to cloth using engraved copper stamps before it is dyed. This method allows the artisans to produce batik more efficiently and replicate patterns more consistently. 

“We also use the hand-drawn technique, but only by special order,” Sodiqin said. “Hand-drawn pieces take longer and require more skill.” This technique involves drawing patterns using a traditional drawing tool called a canting, which is filled with hot wax. It can take months just to complete one piece of batik cloth using this method. 

Community Culture
(Above) several of the fabrics produced by the group, which feature ocean-inspired motifs.

Sustainable Livelihoods, Interwoven with Women’s Empowerment 

What began as the passion project of three individuals has grown into a 20-strong collective, made up mostly of women. Training programs provided by the government and corporate CSR initiatives have strengthened their skills and encouraged more women to join. “It started with women inviting others to learn batik,” says Sodiqin. “Then, through word of mouth, more women have become involved.”  

The rise in popularity of Kampung Laut batik has opened new income opportunities for women in coastal communities. Batik-making provides much-needed earnings, especially during exhibitions or when orders come in. “The income can help women to cover their children’s needs or support other family expenses,” Sodiqin says. 

Nevertheless, marketing remains a challenge. Located in a remote area, accessible only by crossing a lagoon, Kampung Laut has limited access to markets. Most sales come from exhibitions in cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Semarang. “We tried e-commerce, but delivery is very difficult from here,” he said. 

Community Culture
Members of the T4T team try their hand and making batik patterns during a recent visit to the Mekar Canting Batik Group studio.

From Ecology to Economy: Healthy Nature Helps Communities to Thrive 

In 2022, Trees4Trees began replanting mangroves in Kampung Laut to restore areas degraded by deforestation. From 2022 to 2023, over 24,000 individual trees were successfully planted. In 2024-2025, with support from our partner, EcoMatcher, 125,000 trees were planted. In October 2025, together with EcoMatcher and GRAB, we are planting an additional 50,000 mangroves in the area. 

“By expanding mangrove cover, our mangrove planting program helps local communities thrive, sustain their livelihoods, and keep their culture alive, including the mangrove batik,” explains Yoga Septian, Trees4Trees Unit Manager of the Cilacap site. “The local community relies on fisheries and mangroves for their living; beyond fishing, they process mangrove fruits into snacks and produce mangrove batik as additional sources of income,” he added. 

Planting mangrove
(above) Local fishermen load their boats with mangrove seedlings ready for planting. (Below) Together with local fishermen, T4T team members plant new trees in mangrove areas that had previously been severely degraded.

 

Community Culture

Healthy mangroves provide numerous benefits to people, nature, and the planet. They produce oxygen, absorb CO2, prevent coastal erosion, and provide essential nurseries for fish. For local people like Sodiqin and his group, these trees also provide materials, livelihoods, and cultural value. 

With that in mind, Sodiqin insists that sustainability is key. “Every time we harvest resources provided by the mangroves, we must also replenish them,” he says, “so they won’t vanish like they did before. The more we plant, the better our lives will be.” 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita for Trees4Trees 

 

Trees4Trees 2024 Annual Report

Trees4Trees 2024 Annual Report

In 2024, we celebrate 17 years of impact. Marking the year of growth, collaboration, and meaningful progress, we are pleased to share our 2024 Annual Report.​ This report presents the financial results for 2024 and tree-planting operations from April 2024 to March 2025. ​

Throughout 2024 planting season, Trees4Trees successfully planted 4.65 million trees across 15 regions in Indonesia, bringing our total to over 15 million trees planted since 2008. This milestone is more than just numbers – it represents ecosystems revitalized and thousands of farming families gaining access to sustainable livelihoods through reforestation and education.​ Looking forward to 2025, our tasks are clear: scale our efforts, restore degraded landscapes, protect biodiversity, and uplift communities through inclusive, sustainable development.

We thank you to our partners, sponsors, and especially the local communities who are the heart of our tree-planting mission. Your continued support our vision for a greener, more resilient Indonesia.​

As we move into our 18th year, we also reflect on how collaboration has shaped our journey. Partnerships with local governments, companies, schools, and farmers have been the driving force behind our achievements. Every seedling planted carries with it a story of cooperation — between people and planet — and a shared hope for a healthier environment.

In 2024, we strengthened our monitoring systems and data transparency, ensuring that every tree planted is tracked and nurtured to maturity. We also expanded our educational outreach to empower youth and communities with knowledge about climate resilience and sustainable land management.

These steps are part of our long-term vision to create lasting change — not just planting trees, but cultivating a culture of stewardship and care for the environment. Together, we are growing a legacy that will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Read more our 2024 Annual Report

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

When Tradition Preserves Nature: Indigenous Wisdom from West Java

When Tradition Preserves Nature

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is rich in cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. Here, more than 1,300 ethnic groups form a vibrant mosaic of traditions, many of which are deeply rooted in nature. This connection to nature is especially apparent in the Sundanese Indigenous villages of West Java, where many of our tree-planting programs are based. 

Where Tradition and Nature Intertwine 

Heri is a resident of Legok Kiara, a cultural hamlet in Rawabogo Village, Bandung Regency. He explains, “we have a proverb passed down through generations: There’s no separation between us and nature – only unity in life. Without nature, where would we live?”  

Legok Kiara Water Spring
Natural springs like this one in Legok Kiara Hamlet are a vital supply of clean water for the community.

According to Heri, the forest is the village’s lifeline. “Our clean water flows from forest springs. If trees are cleared, drought and floods will follow, so we work hard to protect it.”  

In the neighboring Cikondang hamlet in Lamajang Village, Wawan shares a similar perspective. “We take wood from our forest only for houses or rituals,” he says, “and always in accordance with customary rules; no one dares to cut down trees without getting permission from the elders first.” For people like Heri and Wawan, respect for nature is enshrined in local laws and practices, underpinning many aspects of daily life. 

Cikondang itself is known for its strong culture, pristine nature, and reverence for tradition. The hamlet is home to one of the oldest known Sundanese traditional houses in Indonesia which, like the community itself, has stood the test of time and continues to stand proud in the modern era. 

Rumah Adat Cikondang
Located in the midst of the forest, this traditional house in Cikondang is built from wood and bamboo. It is around 370 years old.

“Here, we believe following traditional rules is the same as obeying God’s law,” says Abah Anom, guardian of the Cikondang traditional house.Anyone who violates them – for example, by cutting trees illegally or selling farmland – will be punished by God.”  

Rumah Adat Cikondang
Abah Anom (center) sits inside the Cikondang traditional house, which has remained largely unchanged for almost four centuries.

Rituals and Rites of Passage: Living in Harmony with Nature 

For generations, local wisdom has guided the Sundanese and helped them to live in harmony with nature. “We still practice traditional rituals today,” says Abah Anom. “By continuing them, we believe our lives will be spared from misfortune.” 

Abah Anom goes on to explain a few of his community’s customs in greater detail: “Each year, we hold a traditional irrigation ritual to water 140 hectares of farmland along the Cisangkuy River, ensuring land is irrigated fairly,” he says. “We also perform a clean water ritual at Ciruntah spring, which is a vital water source for the community; we keep it clean and pray to preserve its providence.”  

In Legok Kiara, a similar ritual called Ngalokat Cai (preserving water) begins with cleaning water channels and is followed by prayers over collected spring water. “These rituals reflect our gratitude and responsibility to protect water sources,” says Heri.  

Ritual budaya Sunda
(Above) A Sundanese man carries ritual offerings on his head. (Below) Local communities gather at a spring in Legok Kiara for a water ritual, praying for abundant water.

Nature As the Inspiration for Art and Culture 

In addition to being a spiritual foundation for daily life, nature can also be a source of artistic inspiration. Vandik, a painter from Jelekong Art Hamlet in Baleendah Village, seeks to reflect Indonesia’s natural beauty in his work. “My first teacher was nature,” he explains. “It’s impossible to paint – in form or color – without studying it closely.” 

Lukisan Vandik
Vandik paints landscapes inspired by the nature around his village, bringing Indonesia’s beauty to his canvas. His works have been exhibited internationally, including in the Netherlands and the US.

Jelekong is home to a long and proud tradition of artists who have taken their inspiration from nature. As Vandik explains, “the early efforts of our elders earned this place the title Art Village,” and to this day the region is still famed for its songs, dances, paintings, and wayang golek (a traditional form of wooden puppetry).” 

Meanwhile, in Legok Kiara, Sundanese arts are often showcased through tourism. “We perform pencak silat, the traditional martial art, along with music like tarawangsa, angklung, and calung performances. All are linked to nature,” says Heri. 

Heri also reveals that the intricate movements of the pencak silat dance are an embodiment of forest animals. Moreover, Tarawangsa music is rooted in rituals that give thanks to nature – even the musical instruments themselves are crafted from wood and bamboo sourced from the forest. 

When Tradition Preserves Nature
(Above) Sundanese men play the traditional instruments tarawangsa (left) and jentreng (right) during a sacred ritual of thanksgiving for the harvest. The sound of the tarawangsa is believed to summon the ancestors. (Below) Wayang golek, wooden puppetry, remains one of the most popular forms of Sundanese performing arts.

When Tradition Preserves Nature

Restoring Forests, Preserving Tradition 

With support from AstraZeneca and One Tree Planted, Trees4Trees has already planted 12 million trees throughout the Citarum watershed in West Java, which is home to many cultural villages. “With trees planted in our village, the Trees4Trees program helps us protect the forest,” says Heri. He adds that, in 2024 alone, over 300,000 trees were planted in his village, with more than 500,000 in Lamajang and Baleendah, where the cultural hamlets of Cikondang and Jelekong are located. “We are very grateful for every one of these precious trees,” he added. 

This initiative not only restores ecosystems but also sustains the natural resources Indigenous communities depend on. By planting trees, Trees4Trees is preserving both culture and nature – ensuring they remain intertwined and continue to flourish together for many more generations to come. 

Petani farmer Trees4Trees
Trees we planted together with farmers in Rawabogo Village in 2023 have flourished and grown healthily.

When Tradition Preserves Nature

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Kemas Duga Muis, Reza Alwiandhi for Trees4Trees 

Bali Reforestation: Preserving Water, Local Livelihoods, and Cultural Heritage

Bali

When people think of Bali, they often picture a world-famous tourist destination with stunning beaches, majestic mountains and hills, and a rich cultural heritage showcased through traditional dances, art performances, and iconic architectures. And while that’s all true, Bali is much more than just a tourist destination.  

This island is home to vibrant marine and coastal ecosystems, protected forests, thriving agriculture, and centuries-old traditions deeply rooted in local wisdom. It includes Subak, a traditional irrigation system which reflects the deep connection between nature, community, and tradition. 

However, Bali now faces growing environmental threats, including population growth and deforestation caused by land conversion and excessive land use. These threats not only lead to environmental degradation but also put local livelihoods and traditional practices like Subak at risk, including in the western part of the island, specifically in Melaya District of Jembrana Regency. 

Agricultural Practice and Subak Irrigation System in Melaya 

Unlike other regions of Bali, where tourism dominated, Melaya communities depend primarily on agriculture. Rice, coconut, and cacao are the district’s key agricultural products.  

“Cacao production, in particular, has made one of villages in Melaya District, Ekasari Village, renowned as the largest and best cacao producer in Bali,” said Rusmanto Manulang, the Trees4Trees Field Coordinator for Bali. 

Bali Reforestation
Cacao trees grow alongside coconut trees in agroforestry systems in Ekasari Village, both key agricultural products in Melaya.

Melaya, where also a home to West Bali National Park and traversed by Sangiang Gede river, practices organic farming and as much of Bali, the agriculture is deeply intertwined with Subak, a traditional irrigation system recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. The district has 19 Subak sites, spanning over villages, sustaining this centuries-old irrigation system. 

Believed to date back to 9th century, the Subak system follows sustainable and rotational methods, where local farmers work in organized groups, taking turns irrigating rice fields while others grow alternative crops. Water is distributed through irrigation water tunnels network, ensuring equitable access and making water availability crucial.  

“In Melaya, local farmers uphold this practice, working together hand in hand, not only to secure their livelihoods, but also preserve the cultural traditions,” Rusmanto added. 

Tuwed village
Rice fields span Tuwed Village, one of Trees4Trees’ tree-planting locations.

Read also: How Do Trees Conserve Water?

Land Degradation in Melaya and the Role of Forest in Water Conservation 

Among Bali’s regencies, Jembrana has the largest forest area, with 49% – approximately 41,307-hectare of its land, covered in forest, according to Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MOEF) in 2021. Most of these are protected forests, serving as habitats for diverse wildlife and sustaining water resources in the region.  

The regency is also traversed by 40 rivers, some flowing into Melaya district, playing a vital role in supporting the Subak irrigation system. This includes the Sangiang Gede river (Tukad Sangiang Gede in Balinese), the longest river in Jembrana, stretching 25,000 meters 

Bali Reforestation
Palasari Reservoir in Ekasari Village stores water of the Sangiang Gede river.

Despite the crucial link between intact forest and water availability, the Sangiang Gede watershed in Melaya district has experienced increasing environmental degradation in recent years, putting water sources at risk. Rapid population growth has led to land conversion for residential and agricultural expansion, resulting in deforestation, erosion that increases river sedimentation, flooding, and water shortages. These challenges threaten both local ecosystems and traditional farming practices.

“Some areas in Melaya Village experience flooding, especially after heavy rain. Meanwhile, in the neighboring Ekasari Village, residents struggle with water shortages during the dry season,” said Rusmanto.

Based on Trees4Trees’ spatial analysis, currently, over 29% of the land in Melaya district, especially in the Sangiang Gede river, has been affected by degradation. It highlights the urgent need for conservation and sustainable land management efforts.  

Trees4Trees Tree Planting: Restoring Nature, Strengthening Communities 

To help local communities address environmental challenges, protect livelihoods, and preserve Bali’s rich agricultural heritage, Trees4Trees is expanding its reforestation efforts on the island. Together with its supporters, Trees4Trees has recently planted over 17,000 trees across two villages in Melaya District: Tuwed and Ekasari. 

Bali Reforestation
Tree seedlings distribution in Tuwed Village.

Read also: Expanding Green: Trees4Trees Planting Season 2024-2025

Focusing on cacao and albizia trees, the initiative spans approximately 25 hectares.  It aims to support local farmers and protect forests bordering the villages, which are vital in sustaining the river supplies water to the Subak. With a long-term vision of restoring ecological balance, strengthening local economies, and safeguarding cultural traditions in Bali, Trees4Trees is committed to expanding this initiative in the years ahead.  

You can also participate in this reforestation program! Make a lasting impact on the environment, agriculture, and local communities in Bali by planting trees together with us.  

Contact us at info@trees4trees.treesforplant.com to learn more about how to get involved in the Bali Reforestation! 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Muhammad Ely Nezar & Rusmanto Manulang