400 Endemic Trees Planted to Strengthen Gunung Pinang Ecosystem

In a significant environmental effort, Krakatau Posco and Perhutani have planted 400 endemic trees in Gunung Pinang, Banten. The initiative, part of World Environment Day and POSCO Global Volunteer Week 2026, aims to bolster biodiversity and safeguard the ecological functions of the protected forest.

Among the trees planted was the kokoleceran (Vatica bantamensis), an endemic species of Banten that is protected under Indonesian law. Alhadis Syamsuddin, Director of Technology & Business Development at Krakatau Posco, highlighted the program's goal to enrich the area's plant life and enhance biodiversity in a region vital for its ecological role.

"This program aims to support plant enrichment and increase biodiversity in an area that plays an important ecological role for its surroundings," Syamsuddin stated. He emphasized Gunung Pinang's strategic importance as a water catchment area, ecosystem buffer, and habitat for various flora and fauna, making vegetation enhancement crucial for environmental balance.

Beyond conservation, the project also incorporated productive trees like durian, avocado, jackfruit, and matoa. These are expected to offer long-term economic benefits to the local community through fruit yields, complementing the forest's ecological services. Encang Suryana of Perhutani KPH Banten praised the collaboration, stressing the need for collective efforts to preserve Banten's protected forests.