PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - A total of 100 trees were planted along the Kalimalang Inspection Road as a follow-up to the illegal building (bangli) cleanup and an effort to restore the land's function as a green open space that benefits the community.

The tree-planting initiative was initiated by the Bekasi Regency Government through the Environmental Agency (DLH), along with several companies, environmental groups, and community members, on Jl. Kalimalang Inspection, Gandasari Village, West Cikarang District, on Friday, August 28, 2026. This activity also served as part of a series of events commemorating the 76th anniversary of Bekasi Regency and the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

Iis Sandra Yanti, Assistant for General Administration (Asda III) of the Bekasi Regency Regional Secretariat, stated that the tree planting following the Bangli eviction was an important step. She emphasized that the cleared land should not simply be cleared and cleared; it must be restored to its original function to benefit the environment and the community.

"This tree-planting initiative is certainly a very positive step in increasing greenery in Bekasi Regency. As a large industrial area, greening is necessary to create a more comfortable environment for the public to enjoy, while also helping reduce pollution and improve air quality in Bekasi Regency," he said.

Iis added that the previously barren land after the clearing is expected to transform into a refreshing green space. She believes this action also plays a crucial role in supporting programs to control air pollution, conserve groundwater, and mitigate climate change.

"I hope the small steps we take today will have a big impact in the future," he added.

In addition, Iis invited all parties to make this tree planting action a joint movement to expand green open spaces, improve environmental quality, and realize a developed Bekasi Regency without abandoning environmental sustainability.

"I urge you not to let the trees we plant today remain a ceremonial activity; they must be maintained and monitored continuously. The success of reforestation is not measured solely by the number of trees planted, but by how many grow and provide benefits for future generations," he hoped.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bekasi Regency Environmental Agency (DLH), Syafri Donny Sirait, explained that this tree planting program was specifically carried out to prevent the reappearance of illegal buildings on land that had been regulated.

He said that, according to reports, before the cleanup, the area was home to a number of dimly lit food stalls. Following the cleanup, along with the Bekasi Regency Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), the Environment Agency immediately followed up with a reforestation program to prevent the land from being used for activities that are not in accordance with its intended purpose.

Syafri emphasized that the tree-planting activity did not use any funds from the Bekasi Regency Regional Budget (APBD). All costs, from tree seedlings and fertilizer to maintenance and watering, came from contributions from the business community.

"This activity has nothing to do with the regional budget. It's entirely self-funded, initiated by the Environment Agency (DLH), with company support in the form of tree seedlings, fertilizer, and maintenance and watering. We only initiated and coordinated it," he stressed.

Donny further stated that this tree-planting activity on Kalimalang Inspection Road was the third in the past five months. Previously, the Bekasi Regency Environmental Agency planted 585 trees along a 1.3-kilometer riverbank in North Cikarang and 150 trees in Sumberjaya Village.

With the addition of 100 trees on Kalimalang Inspection Road, Gandasari Village, West Cikarang District, the total number of trees planted has reached around 835 trees.

According to him, the implementation of the post-clearance tree-planting program on the former Bangli land was also inseparable from the role of environmental activists in Bekasi Regency, including synergy and collaboration with the Bambu Foundation and others. Furthermore, his organization involved Adiwiyata schools as part of environmental education and awareness programs.

"The budget isn't the only obstacle or barrier to action. On the contrary, we see support from companies, environmental activists, and schools, all showing enthusiasm for environmental improvement," he said.

Syafri stated that the planted trees are a mix of species, but they are aiming to include fruit trees, including Ketapang Kencana (Ketapang Kencana), Mango, Breadfruit, Sapodilla, and Starfruit. Besides providing reforestation, these trees are expected to provide direct benefits to the community once they begin to produce fruit.

"We're trying to select fruit trees. Besides producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, each shade tree provides additional benefits, including fruit trees. This way, the community can benefit from the fruit trees," he concluded.

(Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Service/rka)