Coastal Erosion and Tidal Flooding Threaten Muara Gembong, Hankook Continues Mangrove Planting
Coastal erosion and tidal flooding continue to pose challenges for the coastal area of Muara Gembong, Bekasi Regency. To support the restoration of the coastal ecosystem, PT Hankook Tire Indonesia has again planted thousands of mangrove seedlings in Pantai Sederhana Village, coinciding with the commemoration of World Environment Day.
The activity continues a mangrove rehabilitation programme that the company has been running over recent years. By 2026, a total of 13,000 mangrove seedlings had been planted in the Muara Gembong area.
The mangrove planting is conducted as an effort to restore the coastal ecosystem, which faces pressure from erosion, shoreline changes, and the impacts of climate change. This programme is also aligned with the government’s efforts to accelerate the rehabilitation of national mangrove areas.
Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in protecting coastal areas. Besides functioning to prevent erosion and mitigate wave impact, mangrove areas also serve as habitats for various species of fish, shrimp, and other coastal biota that support the economic activities of local communities.
President Director of PT Hankook Tire Indonesia, Jung Jinkyun, stated that mangrove planting is one of the environmental programmes the company runs sustainably. “Mangrove planting activities remain one of Hankook’s main agendas for the environment and the communities surrounding our operational areas. Through this initiative, we also encourage collaboration between employees and local communities as part of a joint effort to preserve the coastal ecosystem,” said Jung Jinkyun.
Prior to the planting activity, participants received education on the ecological functions and economic benefits of mangroves for coastal communities. In addition to supporting capture fisheries, mangrove areas also hold economic potential through the development of processed products and ecotourism.
Head of Environmental Management at the Bekasi Regency Environmental Agency, Donny Arief Budiman, stated that mangrove rehabilitation is an important step to strengthen the protection of coastal areas affected by erosion and tidal flooding. “We appreciate Hankook’s efforts in consistently carrying out environmental conservation activities through this mangrove planting. As we know, tidal flooding remains a challenge in the Muara Gembong area from year to year due to erosion and shoreline changes, so coastal ecosystem rehabilitation efforts like this have an important role in supporting area protection and the environmental sustainability of the surrounding community,” said Donny.
According to Donny, coastal area conservation requires collaboration from various parties, including the government, the community, and the private sector, so that ecosystem restoration can proceed more effectively and sustainably.
In addition to supporting coastal environmental protection, mangrove rehabilitation is also considered to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Mangroves are known as one of the carbon-absorbing ecosystems that play an important role in maintaining environmental balance while supporting the economic sustainability of coastal communities.