BNI Strengthens Commitment to Mangrove Conservation and Coastal Economy
PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting coastal ecosystem preservation through mangrove rehabilitation, coinciding with World Mangrove Day on 26 July. The initiative is part of the bank’s implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Through its Social and Environmental Responsibility programme, BNI Berbagi, the company has planted 258,000 mangrove seedlings over the past eight years in several strategic coastal areas, including Mempawah (West Kalimantan), Kebumen (Central Java), Kepulauan Seribu (DKI Jakarta), Banyuwangi (East Java), and Pamekasan (East Java).
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo stated that mangrove rehabilitation is part of the bank’s strategy to build coastal resilience through a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) approach. This step is also aligned with the transformation of state-owned enterprises under Danantara Indonesia, which focuses on creating sustainable added value for society and the national economy with a spirit of wholehearted service. “Mangrove conservation not only restores coastal ecosystems but also creates new sources of livelihood for the community. Therefore, we involve farmer groups and residents from the nursery and planting stages to the development of ecotourism and processed mangrove products so that the benefits of conservation can be felt directly,” Okki said in a written statement on Sunday (26/7/2026).
Beyond acting as a natural carbon sink, mangroves also protect coastal areas from abrasion, high waves, and rising sea levels. This ecosystem also serves as a vital habitat for various marine biota that support fishing activities while maintaining the sustainability of coastal resources. This approach also encourages the growth of mangrove-based economic activities, from ecotourism to the development of processed products, ensuring that the benefits of rehabilitation extend beyond environmental aspects to strengthen the welfare of coastal communities. The programme’s impact has been measurable. An evaluation of the Mangrove Forest Regeneration Programme in Banyuwangi showed a Community Satisfaction Index of 84.09 percent, reflecting high public appreciation for the quality of implementation and programme benefits. “The spirit of Swadharma Bhakti Nagara drives BNI to continue delivering programmes that provide real benefits to the community. Therefore, every TJSL initiative is directed to create a sustainable impact on the environment while strengthening the local economy,” Okki asserted. Moving forward, BNI will continue to expand collaboration with the government, academics, communities, farmer groups, and various other stakeholders to strengthen mangrove rehabilitation and develop a coastal ecosystem-based economy. In line with the transformation of state-owned enterprises under Danantara Indonesia, these efforts are expected to create sustainable added value for the community and support national economic growth.