“Tangerang Tree Planting” – First Phase

Planting 1,000 Mangrove Trees to Restore the Beauty of Coastal Areas

Tangerang, July 19, 2025 – AEON Environmental Foundation (AEF) held the first phase of the “Tangerang Tree Planting” activity at Ketapang Mangrove Park in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia. The planting of 1,000 mangrove trees by 200 Indonesian volunteers marked a meaningful moment for the community to take an active role in protecting the environment—not only for today, but for the future generations to come.

The “Tangerang Tree Planting” initiative was symbolically launched on the morning of Saturday (July 19) by Nishihara Kensaku, representing AEON Environmental Foundation, along with Soma Atmaja (Regional Secretary of Tangerang Regency), Inge Retnowati (Director of Conservation and Biodiversity at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry), and Mely Salim (representing the Emil Salim Institute).

“AEF is the first private organization in Japan to focus on addressing global environmental issues. Since its founding, AEF has collaborated with communities around the world, academic institutions, and research organizations to promote greening initiatives and environmental education,” explained Nishihara in AEF’s press release on Saturday (July 19).

“For this tree planting project, we are working together with the Tangerang Regency Government and the Emil Salim Institute to plant 1,000 mangrove trees. We hope this effort will contribute to preserving the coastal environment in Tangerang and demonstrate AEON’s commitment to Indonesia,” Nishihara added.

Founded in 1990 in Japan as an independent legal foundation, AEF has planted more than 12.68 million trees across 11 countries. In Indonesia, AEF began tree planting activities in Jakarta in 2011. Over that time, 94,000 trees have been planted by 8,100 volunteers from both Japan and Indonesia through six planting events held between 2011 and 2024.

In mid-2025, AEF held its first planting activity in Tangerang, specifically at Ketapang Mangrove Park. One of the goals of the program is to help prevent flooding in residential areas and nearby roads. At the same time, this environmental movement is expected to positively impact the restoration of coastal areas, with hopes that the trees will thrive and grow into a forest rich in biodiversity.

“This year, our planting location has moved to Ketapang Mangrove Park, located in Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, based on input from Professor Emil Salim. He and his team were also directly involved in selecting today’s planting site. On behalf of the foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude and respect to him,” said Nishihara.

On this occasion, Nishihara also emphasized the vital role of mangroves in absorbing carbon dioxide and preventing global warming. Thanks to their ability to survive rising sea levels, mangroves are believed to be effective in protecting coastal land from erosion.

Addressing the community gathered at Ketapang Mangrove Park, Nishihara shared his hope, “With all the benefits of mangroves, I sincerely hope that from the 1,000 trees we plant together today, a forest rich with life will flourish—bringing positive impact to the people around Ketapang Mangrove Park.”