CILACAP – The PPK Ormawa team of the Himpunan Mahasiswa Pendidikan Bahasa Indonesia (Himadiksi) at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman took concrete action to prevent coastal erosion near the Sembir fishermen’s dock, on the coast of Segara Anakan Kutawaru, Central Cilacap, Cilacap Regency. In an effort to conserve the environment, the PPK Ormawa Himadiksi team collaborated with Kelompok Sida Asih, which manages mangrove conservation at the Simanja Jagapati Ecotourism site. The program titled “Planting 5,000 Mangrove Seedlings” involved local fishermen and volunteers from various regions.
Coastal erosion is a serious problem faced by many coastal areas. Erosion can cause significant land degradation and damage coastal ecosystems. Mangroves have strong and complex root systems and are known as plants that are effective in preventing coastal erosion. Therefore, the PPK Ormawa Himadiksi Unsoed team took the initiative to involve the community in planting mangrove seedlings.
“This mangrove seedling planting activity is one concrete step we are taking to preserve the coastal environment. Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal ecosystems, reducing disaster risk, and maintaining biodiversity,” said the head of the PPK Ormawa Himadiksi Unsoed team.
Beyond seedling planting, the PPK Ormawa Himadiksi Unsoed team also conducted outreach regarding the importance of protecting and preserving mangrove ecosystems. The community was invited to participate in protecting the environment and understanding the benefits of healthy mangrove ecosystems.
“This mangrove seedling planting initiative is expected to become part of a broader effort to protect and restore coastal ecosystems threatened by erosion and climate change,” said Bapak Sutiyono, Secretary of Kelompok Sida Asih. Partners working with the PPK Ormawa Himadiksi Unsoed team hope this activity can raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection and inspire other communities to participate in environmental conservation efforts.
The mangrove seedling planting initiative involving students and local communities is concrete evidence of collaboration between academics and society in addressing environmental problems. With strong cooperation, it is hoped that coastal areas can be better protected and mangrove ecosystems can continue to flourish for a shared future.