PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - The Bekasi Regency Environmental Agency (DLH) held a tree planting event on the banks of the Sukatani Secondary Canal, Karangharja Village, North Cikarang District, in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, Friday (12/6/2026).

The activity, which involved government elements, TNI and Polri officers, the business world, environmental communities, students, and the community, was part of a joint effort to strengthen the greening of the area after the regulation of illegal buildings while also supporting climate change control and improving the quality of the environment in Bekasi Regency.

The Head of the Bekasi Regency Environmental Agency, Syafri Donny Sirait, said that tree planting is not just about planting seeds, but also planting hope for a greener and more sustainable future.

"This tree planting isn't just about planting seedlings, it's also about sowing hope for a greener, more sustainable future. It's hoped that the previously barren land, after the clearing, will transform into a refreshing green space that will benefit the community," he said.

He believes these activities play a crucial role in supporting programs to control air pollution, conserve groundwater, and mitigate climate change. He emphasized that successful environmental conservation requires collaboration between all parties, including the government, business, academia, and the public.

Syafri Donny Sirait also expressed his appreciation for the support of businesses that have contributed to providing tree seedlings and various other needs for the project. He stated that the business community's commitment demonstrates a shared commitment to maintaining a balance between economic activity and environmental sustainability.

"Collaboration between the government, business, academia, and the community is key to achieving environmentally conscious development. We hope this kind of cooperation can continue to improve in the future," he said.

He added that some of the trees planted were fruit trees such as mangoes and breadfruit, which were expected to provide not only ecological benefits but also social and economic benefits for the surrounding community when they grew and bore fruit.

"We want the trees we plant to not only serve as greening, but also to be enjoyed by the community. This is a form of environmental investment with long-term benefits," he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Implementation Committee of the activity who is also the Head of the Pollution and Environmental Damage Control Division (PPKLH) of the Bekasi Regency Environmental Agency, Duarte de J. Fernandes, explained that the tree planting action is part of a series of commemorations of World Environment Day 2026 which will be carried out simultaneously in various regions in Indonesia.

Duarte said the activity carried the spirit of Act Now for Climate, or the time to work for the climate, as a form of real commitment to supporting efforts to control climate change and preserve the environment.

"The goal of this activity is to increase reforestation efforts, particularly on land cleared of illegal buildings, while also strengthening synergy between the government, business actors, and environmental communities in maintaining environmental sustainability," he said.

He explained that the planting location was on the banks of the Sukatani Secondary Canal which crosses the Cikarang River, Ulu Atas River, and Buntu Air River in Karangharja Village, North Cikarang District.

A total of 585 trees were planted during the event, consisting of five species: mahogany, rain tree, ketapang, mango, and breadfruit. The tree planting also forms part of the ASRI (Safe, Healthy, Neat, and Beautiful) National Movement, which aims to promote a greener, healthier, and more sustainable environment for the people of Bekasi Regency.

"We hope the trees planted today will grow and be well-maintained, providing tangible benefits to the environment and the surrounding community. Through synergy between the government, businesses, environmental communities, and the public, we are optimistic that environmental conservation efforts can continue to be strengthened to create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Bekasi Regency," he concluded. (Bekasi Regency Communications and Information Office/rka)