UPNVJ Public Relations — The National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) through the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) together with the UPNVJ Student Executive Board (BEM) participated in a movement to plant 500 mangrove seedlings on Pari Island, Seribu Islands, Monday (8/6/2026).
The activity was carried out in collaboration with the LPPM Forum of the West Region State University Cooperation Agency (BKS-PTN Barat), the Jakarta Provincial Government, and the local community. Ten UPNVJ students participated directly with residents of Pari Island in the mangrove planting process in the coastal area.
This mangrove planting initiative is part of a series of World Environment Day commemorations held simultaneously by several universities, members of the West Java BKS-PTN. The activity demonstrates the universities' commitment to coastal ecosystem preservation and strengthens collaboration between universities, students, local governments, communities, and various stakeholders.
This program also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 13 on climate change management, SDG 14 on marine ecosystems, SDG 15 on terrestrial ecosystems, and SDG 17 on partnerships to achieve goals.
Firlia, a UPNVJ lecturer and member of the research team representing the Head of LPPM UPNVJ, explained that the activity was the result of synergy between LPPM and BEM UPNVJ and part of a joint movement of the LPPM BKS-PTN Barat Forum.
"Today, we're planting mangroves with the UPNVJ Student Executive Board. This activity is also a collaboration with the LPPM BKS-PTN Barat Forum," said Firlia.
According to him, the activity began with an initiative by the LPPM BKS-PTN Barat Forum to commemorate World Environment Day. At the same time, the UPNVJ Student Executive Board (BEM) had planned to hold a tree-planting event on Pari Island.
"After discussions, the UPNVJ Student Executive Board (BEM) activities were combined with the West Nusa Tenggara State University (BKS-PTN Barat) program. The planting was carried out simultaneously by several member universities, including Andalas University, Samudra University in Langsa, Aceh, and Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University in Banten," he explained.
The mangrove planting activity did not stop as a ceremonial agenda, but became part of a community service program that was designed sustainably by UPNVJ.
Firlia revealed that several months earlier, LPPM and BEM UPNVJ had visited and coordinated with the Seribu Islands Administrative District Government to discuss the drafting of a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation of the tridharma activities of higher education.
"Today's planting is part of our community service program. The UPNVJ Student Executive Board (BEM) and its lecturers have also received funding from the Institute for Community Service (LPPM) to implement the community service program on Pari Island this year," he said.
As a follow-up, UPNVJ plans a follow-up tree planting activity in August 2026. In this activity, a team of lecturers and students will plant sea pine trees which have an important role in protecting coastal areas from wind and abrasion.
In addition to tree planting, the community service program will also focus on community empowerment and the development of policy briefs. These activities are planned to involve lecturers from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and various other academic institutions.
This program is expected to develop into a community empowerment activity that involves a team of lecturers and students on an ongoing basis, according to the needs of the residents of Pari Island.
Meetings with local residents revealed that Pari Island requires more environmental conservation and community empowerment programs. The area is considered vulnerable to abrasion, necessitating more extensive coastal vegetation planting.
Mangroves play an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems, reducing the impact of waves and abrasion, providing habitat for various biota, and helping to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
Firlia hopes that the involvement of UPNVJ students and lecturers will not only have an impact on environmental restoration, but also provide social benefits for the people of Pari Island.
"The community on Pari Island desperately needs empowerment programs. This area is also vulnerable to abrasion, so it needs many trees to protect the island. We hope that the activities of UPNVJ students and lecturers on Pari Island will bring significant benefits to the community," he concluded.