UNS – As part of the Green Campaign Alas Bromo 2024, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta planted 3.000 Sonokeling tree seedlings in the Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) of Mount Bromo, Karanganyar, on Thursday (19/12/2024). The event involved UNS’s Director of the Business Management Agency (BPU), Prof. Dr. Ir. Zainal Arifin, S.T., M.T.; Head of the Forestry Education and Training Technical Implementation Unit (UPT PPK), Prof. Dr. Ir. Supriyadi, M.P.; and over 150 students from the Faculty of Agriculture (FP).

Prof. Supriyadi highlighted that this green campaign is part of efforts to fulfill the FOLU Net Sink 2030, a national target to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the forestry and land sectors. The aim is to achieve a net absorption level that exceeds emissions by 2030.

“Thank you to our distinguished guests for attending and supporting the green campaign agenda at Alas Bromo this morning. Today, we will carry out this green campaign activity, which is also an effort to support the FOLU Net Sink 2030—a mandate from the nation as land managers. This initiative is a joyful movement to ensure the forest’s continued preservation,” Prof. Supriyadi said.

The Head of the UNS Forest Education and Training Unit (UPT PPK) expressed hope that this initiative would not be limited to planting activities but would also emphasize maintenance. With proper care, he believes the planted seedlings will thrive and bring significant benefits to the wider community, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and supporting sustainable living.

“This marks the second year of the program initiated by UNS, where each new student is encouraged to bring two plant seedlings. We hope this campaign goes beyond planting activities and focuses on nurturing the plants. By doing so, the seedlings will grow well and bring meaningful benefits. May Alas Bromo continue to provide advantages for the community,” Prof. Supriyadi added.

In his remarks, Prof. Zainal, representing the Rector of UNS, expressed the university’s strong support for the initiative. Through effective collaboration, this program aims to achieve sustainable forests by preserving and enhancing the economic, social, and environmental value of forest resources for the benefit of current and future generations. As the Director of the UNS Business Management Agency (BPU), he also emphasized UNS’s readiness to assist and oversee partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the future success of Alas Bromo.

“On behalf of the Rector of UNS, Prof. Hartono, who could not attend this morning, I convey his support for the successful implementation of the Green Campaign Alas Bromo 2024,” Prof. Zainal stated. “This agenda, a collaboration between the government and UNS, is expected to contribute to achieving sustainable forests, ensuring that forests serve as a cornerstone for shared needs. At BPU, we will strive to assist in overseeing partnerships with various parties so that Alas Bromo can provide even greater benefits to the surrounding communities,” he added.

Prof. Zainal further expressed his hopes that this initiative would continue to provide long-lasting benefits for future generations. “May the trees planted today benefit us and our descendants. We seek the support of local governments and communities to realize the future vision for Alas Bromo. Let this be a sustainable effort,” he concluded.

KHDTK Gunung Bromo, known as Alas Bromo, spans 126,291 hectares and is managed by UNS through UPT PPK. Ten percent of this area can be developed by UNS for offices, buildings, or other public facilities.

The Green Campaign Alas Bromo 2024 supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13, “Climate Action,” and SDGs 15, “Life on Land,” by addressing climate change, reducing GHG emissions, and enhancing resilience to its impacts.

HUMAS UNS