Pacitan Nature School Chosen as East Java's Representative for World Mangrove Day
The 2026 commemoration of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, with the theme of protecting mangroves to safeguard future generations, marks a historic milestone for Pacitan Regency.
Sekolah Alam Pacitan was chosen as the only location representing East Java to be connected online to the national peak celebration alongside the Ministry of Environment (KLH) on Sunday, 26 July 2026.
The national celebration was centred at the Batu Lumbang Mangrove Ecotourism Site in Denpasar, Bali, attended directly by the Minister of Environment via teleconference link. At the same time, a simultaneous mangrove planting action was held at the Mangrove Tourism Area in Kiteran Hamlet, Kembang Village, Pacitan District, Pacitan Regency, East Java.
The lively event was attended by local Regional Apparatus Officials (OPD), the extended family of Sekolah Alam Pacitan, as well as KLH Expert Staff Mahadist Sulthon, Ari Yuwono, and the Head of Region III of the Centre for Eco-Regional Development Control / Environment for Java.
Also present at the event were the Pacitan Police, the Commander of Kodim 0801, the Head of the Environment Office, the Head of the Education Office, the Head of the Fisheries Office, the head of the East Java Forestry Branch Office, the Pacitan District Head, PT PLN Nusantara Power Pacitan, environmental enthusiasts, nature school pupils and their parents.
Beyond forming part of coastal ecosystem rehabilitation efforts, the planting initiative was designed to provide hands-on learning experiences for children and local residents.
In his statement, the Head of Sekolah Alam Pacitan, Bangun Naruttama, expressed his pride at the trust placed in his school to represent East Java at the national-scale event.
“We hope this activity can serve as an educational platform for students and the community about the importance of mangroves in preventing abrasion, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting environmental sustainability,” said Bangun Naruttama.
According to him, an understanding of the vital functions of coastal ecosystems must be instilled from an early age so that the younger generation develops a strong commitment to nature conservation in the future.
The involvement of Sekolah Alam Pacitan, chosen at the provincial level for the national commemoration, affirms the region’s commitment to supporting the national environmental restoration programme. Mangrove seedling planting in the Kiteran Hamlet area has been under way since April 2026, with 6,600 mangroves planted with support from FOLU, while on World Mangrove Day itself, 3,150 seedlings were planted, supported by PT PLN Nusantara Power UP Pacitan. It is hoped that the maintenance and planting of mangroves will not only strengthen Pacitan’s natural coastal defences against abrasion, but also unlock the potential for community-managed environmental education tourism (ecotourism).
The event concluded with a joint mangrove seedling planting by the officials in attendance, teachers, students, and local community figures.
The 2026 World Mangrove Day commemoration was seized upon as a moment to strengthen synergy between government, the business community, and society in accelerating mangrove ecosystem restoration.