PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG REGENCY - A total of 500 Scout members from the Penggalang and Penegak Scouts from Kertasari and Pacet Districts participated in the Action Movement for the Environment (GAUL) activity held by the West Java Scout Movement in the Situ Cisanti area, Cibeureum Village, Kertasari District, Bandung Regency, Friday (13/2/2026).

The reforestation activity is part of the West Java Scouts' commitment to preserving the environment, especially in the upstream areas of the Citarum River, through concrete tree planting activities.

The Head of the West Java Scout Movement Regional Office, Herman Suryatman, emphasized that this activity was a form of synergy between the West Java Scout Movement Regional Office, the Bandung Regency Scout Movement Regional Office, and a number of regional agencies, including the Forestry Service, the Plantation Service, the Environmental Service, and the Food Security and Animal Husbandry Service, which also supported the provision of organic seeds and fertilizers.

Herman is targeting reforestation of 100 hectares in the Situ Cisanti area, at the headwaters of the Citarum River, with the support of 50,000 trees. Initially, reforestation will be carried out on 4 hectares, with 6 hectares to be planted next week.

Thus, reforestation took place on 10 hectares of land, planting 5,000 trees. Each hectare has 500 trees.

"This is a concrete example of the fact that development is not only about growth, but also about environmental preservation. Growth is meaningless without environmental support. The West Java Scout Movement is taking a leading role in environmental preservation," he emphasized.

He added that tree planting is a concrete step in maintaining the balance of nature and minimizing the risk of disasters such as floods and landslides, especially in the upstream areas of the Citarum River.

Herman said that through the greening activities packaged in the GAUL program, it is hoped that the West Java Scout Movement will become a driving force for environmental awareness as well as a vehicle for character building for the young generation who love nature and are committed to maintaining sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Emma Dety Permanawati, Head of the Bandung Regency Scout Movement Branch, emphasized that tree planting activities should not be limited to mere ceremonies. She requested that leaders and participants conduct routine monitoring at least once a month to ensure optimal plant growth.

"We still have six hectares left to be planted. Seeds and fertilizer have been prepared and will be coordinated with extension workers and relevant officials. This planting will not be limited to Cibeureum Village but will also target other areas in Kertasari District," he said.

He also encouraged the use of this activity as an outdoor educational tool to develop the character of a resilient and environmentally conscious young generation. Through direct involvement in the reforestation process, it is hoped that a younger generation will emerge with a passion for the environment and agriculture, and be able to contribute to regional development. (West Java Regional Scout Movement)