Southwest Papua Plants 5,000 Trees to Strengthen Climate Mitigation Efforts

The Southwest Papua Provincial Government has planted 5,000 tree seedlings through the safe, healthy, clean, and beautiful (Asri) movement as an effort to strengthen climate change mitigation action and environmental preservation in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026. The planting, centred on Jalan Kontainer in Sorong Regency, is described as a long-term investment for environmental sustainability and a form of concern for the future of the next generation, according to Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare of Southwest Papua, Suardi Thamal. He stated that the Asri movement is part of a national drive aimed at strengthening climate action and increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. He called upon the entire community of Southwest Papua to make planting and caring for trees a continuous culture. ‘The success of this activity is not only measured by the number of seedlings planted today, but by how many trees can grow and provide benefits in the future. Let us plant today for a better life in the future,’ he said. Meanwhile, Head of the Southwest Papua Environmental Agency, Julian Kelly Kambu, said that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of all elements of society. ‘Taking care of the earth is not just the responsibility of the government or environmental activists, but the responsibility of all of us. If we want to live a healthy life and enjoy clean air and water, one concrete step we can take is planting a tree,’ he said. He explained that the Asri movement involves various parties, ranging from the military and police, the business sector, universities, educational institutions, environmental communities, social organisations to the general public. According to Julian, cross-sector collaboration is key to supporting the success of environmental conservation programmes and controlling the impact of climate change in Southwest Papua. He hopes this movement can increase public awareness to preserve the environment while strengthening the region’s resilience in facing the impacts of climate change.