CILEGON (ISL News) - PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 2 Banten conducted a coral reef conservation activity on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in the Merak Besar Island area, Cilegon City. This Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) program is a manifestation of the company's commitment to preserving the marine ecosystem in Banten waters, which will also have a positive impact on the lives of the surrounding community.
In its implementation, Pelindo Regional 2 Banten collaborated with the social and humanitarian organization LAZ Harapan Dhuafa (LAZ Harfa). This program was initiated in response to the declining condition of the marine ecosystem around Merak Besar Island, particularly the coral reefs, which play a crucial role as habitats for fish and marine life, as well as being highly effective carbon dioxide absorbers.
The event was attended by PT Pelindo management, including Senior Manager of Legal & Public Relations for Region 2 Dany Syuhada, Manager of Finance & HR Donny Heryawan Setyaputra, and Commercial Manager Endin Oktaviana. From the implementing partner, LAZ Harfa President Director H. Abdul Rafur, SIKom, M.Si, along with other LAZ Harfa directors were also present.
Also present were the full support from the regional stakeholders and company partners, including Risnawati from the Marine Resources, Coastal and Small Islands Management Division of the Banten Province Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service, representatives of Class 1 Banten KSOP, Banten Basarnas, Cilegon Police, Banten LANAL, Pulomerak Sub-district Head and other stakeholders including elements of the environmental activist community.
General Manager of PT Pelindo Regional 2 Banten, Benny Ariadi, said that this conservation initiative was motivated by the importance of maintaining the carrying capacity of the aquatic environment which has a direct impact on the lives of fishermen in the strategic waters of the Sunda Strait.
"This Coral Reef Transplantation Program is a concrete manifestation of Pelindo's contribution to the preservation of marine ecosystems in the Banten region. We recognize that the decline in coral reef quality has a significant impact on the reduction of fishermen's catches due to the destruction of fish habitats. Through this rehabilitation effort, we hope that the Merak Besar Island area can return to being a healthy marine biota habitat, thereby supporting the local fishermen's economy while opening up the potential for sustainable marine ecotourism development in the future," said Benny Ariadi.
The conservation measure taken was a live coral transplantation method using a spiderweb-like shelf medium. A total of 225 transplants were implemented, including 10% replanting.
In addition to focusing on biotic environmental improvement, this program also emphasizes community empowerment. Pelindo and LAZ Harfa actively involve local youth and fishermen groups in the outreach process, training, and the construction and lowering of transplantation racks into the seabed. This empowerment initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, specifically the fulfillment of targets in pillar 14 on Marine Ecosystems, pillar 4 on Quality Education, and pillar 17 on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals.
Through this cross-sectoral synergy, Pelindo Regional 2 Banten hopes that conservation efforts on Merak Besar Island will raise awareness among the surrounding community about environmental preservation. Pelindo Regional 2 Banten will also remain committed to maintaining and contributing to various efforts to maintain environmental quality in its operational area.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Pelindo Regional 2 Banten Public Relations).
