Central Java DPRD Speaker Reminds Jogo Kali Volunteers to Care for Planted Trees

“The volunteers’ task is not just to plant and then leave. The trees must be checked—whether they are still alive, whether there are pests, and certainly not cut down. Usually it is only a planting ceremony, after that the tree dies, I am sure. So, the volunteers’ task is to care for and nurture them,” said Sumanto in a written statement on Monday (31/8/2026).

Sumanto delivered the message while leading a follow-up coordination meeting after a tree-planting activity at Pendopo Madyosumarto, Suruh Village, Karanganyar Regency, on Saturday (22/8/2026).

Sumanto also appealed to the volunteers’ conscience to straighten their intentions in carrying out the environmental stewardship activities currently under way.

Jago Kali Merawat Bumi is a movement for the preservation of nature and water sources around rivers for future generations, initiated by Sumanto. The programme is carried out through the planting of trees that serve as water storage and the release of fish fingerlings in several areas of Karanganyar Regency.

The activity, which has been running since April 2026, has visited 12 sub-districts in Karanganyar Regency. To date, 1,500 trees have been planted through the programme, covering areas from the lowlands of Gondangrejo, bordering Sragen and Solo, to the slopes of Mount Lawu in Jenawi, Tawangmangu, and Jatiyoso.

One of the Jogo Kali volunteers, Sri Harjono, said that volunteers routinely carry out maintenance and additional tree planting at several potential points. In recent months, some trees were found to be healthy, some had withered and then received intensive care, and some needed to be replanted.

“Usually on Saturday or Sunday morning we go around, checking the planting points again. We hoe and water them. After that, we rest, have coffee, smoke, and share our thoughts,” concluded Sri Harjono, Chair of the PDI Perjuangan faction who is also a Jogo Kali volunteer.