PT Freeport Indonesia has planted 50,000 mangrove trees around its smelter operation area in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) of Gresik, East Java. This tree planting initiative aims to preserve the coastal ecosystem while supporting the National Mangrove Rehabilitation Acceleration Program. "A total of 50,000 mangrove seedlings were planted from September 2024 to February 2025. This activity is part of our efforts to support the rehabilitation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia," said Aripin Buman, Vice President of Business Process Smelting & Refining Smelter at Freeport Indonesia, in a written statement quoted on Sunday (March 2, 2025).

He explained that the company has partnered with the Gresik District Environmental Agency and Wahana Edukasi Harapan Alam Semesta (Wehasta) through a conservation cooperation program. The mangrove planting activities began in September 2024 in Tajungwidoro Village with 15,000 seedlings, followed by Banyuwangi Village with 10,000 seedlings, Bedanten Village with 10,000 seedlings, Manyar Sidomukti Village with 3,000 seedlings, and concluded in Karangrejo Village with 12,000 seedlings. To mark the completion of the 50,000 mangrove planting program, PTFI planted 2,000 mangrove seedlings in Karangrejo Village, Manyar, Gresik, on Saturday (February 22, 2025), coinciding with the National Waste Care Day (HPSN) 2025.

Additionally, HPSN 2025 included various activities such as Plogging Fun, a healthy walking activity while collecting waste, and socialization on waste management, attended by 122 elementary school students from Karangrejo Village and 100 PTFI Smelter employees through the Employee Volunteer Program.

Aripin emphasized that mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal and river ecosystems. Mangroves protect the land from abrasion and sea waves, provide an important habitat for flora and fauna, and improve air quality while offering a source of income for local communities. "This mangrove planting program aims to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve community welfare, and create a more sustainable ecosystem," he said.

Zaini, a resident of Tajungwidoro Village, mentioned that the mangrove planting program carried out by PTFI Smelter has had a significant impact on the surrounding community. "The planting program from PTFI has been very beneficial for our villagers. One of the benefits is preventing further coastal erosion. Another benefit is providing employment for those who were previously unemployed, increasing their income," said Zaini.