Press Release

East Lampung, 26 Juni 2026 — The lush mangrove forests now thriving along the coast of Pasir Sakti, East Lampung, tell a story of resilience and determination. For local communities, these mangroves represent years of effort to combat coastal erosion that once threatened their homes and livelihoods.

Samsudin, Head of the Mutiara Hijau I Forest Farmer Group (KTH Mutiara Hijau I), still vividly remembers when coastal erosion reached its worst point in 1995. At the time, relentless waves continuously washed away the shoreline, forcing many residents—including himself—to relocate.

“We were tired of having to move because of erosion. I was one of those who had to leave my previous home because the area was no longer habitable,” he recalled.

Driven by that experience, Samsudin and fellow residents began planting mangroves independently in the early 2000s. Despite limited resources and numerous challenges, they remained committed to convincing the community that mangroves were not merely coastal plants, but vital protectors of both the shoreline and local livelihoods.

Over time, their efforts began to bear fruit. The restored mangrove forests helped reduce coastal erosion, improve environmental quality, and revive habitats for various marine species.

The rehabilitation initiative gained further momentum through the support of PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA). According to Samsudin, the collaboration significantly accelerated ecosystem recovery efforts that local communities had long pursued.

“We were able to plant tens of thousands of mangrove seedlings within just about two years,” he said.

Most recently, PTBA provided another 10,000 mangrove seedlings as part of the commemoration of World Environment Day 2026. For Samsudin, the support serves as encouragement for the community to continue protecting the coastal ecosystem.

“Thank you to PT Bukit Asam. We hope the company continues to thrive and remains committed to environmental conservation, especially mangrove preservation. Mangroves cannot be harvested like other crops, but their benefits to our lives are immense,” he added.

PTBA Sustainability Division Head, Dedy Saptaria Rosa, stated that the company's support for mangrove rehabilitation in Pasir Sakti reflects its commitment to environmental stewardship while also empowering local communities.

“For PTBA, sustainability is not only about protecting the environment but also ensuring that communities benefit from conservation efforts. The mangrove rehabilitation program in Pasir Sakti demonstrates how collaboration between companies and local communities can create positive impacts for both coastal ecosystems and community welfare,” said Dedy.

Today, the benefits of mangroves extend beyond environmental protection. The area managed by KTH Mutiara Hijau I has also created economic opportunities for local residents. The group consists of 69 members, including 29 women, who actively participate in seedling cultivation, planting activities, and the development of mangrove-based products, such as syrup made from mangrove fruit.

“Mangrove planting activities have also stimulated the local economy. In addition to earning income from planting activities, group members benefit from seedling production and the development of mangrove-based products,” Samsudin explained.

Beyond planting, KTH Mutiara Hijau I independently prepares replacement seedlings to ensure the long-term success of the rehabilitation program. For the group, protecting mangroves is a long-term commitment.

The collaboration between KTH Mutiara Hijau I and PTBA demonstrates that environmental restoration can be far more effective when carried out collectively. In Pasir Sakti, mangroves are no longer just a natural barrier protecting the coastline from erosion—they have become a source of livelihood that helps drive the local economy.

What was once a coastal area threatened by erosion has now transformed into a thriving mangrove forest, providing protection for the shoreline and renewed hope for future generations.