Jember, East Java — Hundreds of college student from the Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq (KHAS) Jember marked Earth Day by planting thousands of mangrove trees along the southern coastline, specifically at Cemara Beach in Mojomulyo Village, Puger District, on Tuesday (April 22, 2025).
The initiative aimed to promote environmental conservation and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the planet. In addition to planting mangroves, the college student also took part in a beach cleanup, collecting litter to preserve the coastal ecosystem.
Speaking during the event, UIN KHAS Jember Vice-Rector III for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships, Khoirul Faizin, emphasized that environmental efforts should extend beyond Earth Day commemorations.
“This must be a continuous movement. We are committed to initiating change and ensuring the environment is protected for future generations. It’s our duty to care for and nurture this earth,” he stated at the event on Tuesday.
Faizin noted that mangrove trees and cemara udang (Casuarina equisetifolia) are well-suited for coastal areas due to their ability to prevent erosion. The southern coast was intentionally selected as the pilot project site for this environmental campaign.
“Another positive impact is the potential increase in fish and crab catches for local fishermen, which in turn can support their livelihoods,” he added.
Also present at the event, Chairman of the Jember Regency Central Waste Bank Volunteers, Ahmad Sugiarto, stressed the importance of ongoing public education to enhance environmental stewardship.
“Environmental maintenance efforts will continue to fall short if communities are not properly educated and empowered with accurate information on how to maintain a clean environment,” he asserted.