EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Students of Teuku Umar University (UTU), together with local communities and stakeholders, conducted a mangrove planting activity at Kuala Bubon Beach, Samatiga District, West Aceh Regency, on Sunday (14/6/2026). The initiative, organised by the Student Executive Board (BEM) of UTU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, aimed to strengthen coastal protection against abrasion, restore beach ecosystems, and support sustainable development through the UTU Berdampak (UTU Makes an Impact) programme.
Prior to the planting activity, students held a public outreach session at the Kuala Bubon Village Hall to provide education on the importance of mangrove conservation. The session was opened by UTU’s Supervising Lecturer, Dr. Kiswanto, M.Si., and was attended by the Chairman of the Tuha Peut as well as the Panglima Laot (Traditional Fisheries Leader) of Samatiga District, Saifulami, along with local residents, village officials, academics, and environmental activists.
During the outreach session, students presented guidance on appropriate seedling selection techniques, planting methods in coastal areas, and the ecological benefits of mangroves. In addition to serving as a barrier against abrasion and saltwater intrusion, mangroves also provide habitat for various coastal organisms and play a significant role in carbon sequestration, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
Following the outreach session, participants proceeded to the coastal area to plant mangrove seedlings together. Local fishermen and residents were directly involved in the planting process within the intertidal zones designated for rehabilitation.
The Panglima Laot of Samatiga District, Saifulami, commended the initiative undertaken by UTU students and expressed hope that the effort would receive sustained support from the community.
“Local communities are expected to serve as guardians of conservation — monitoring seedling growth and preventing the conversion of mangrove land,” he stated.
The programme, carried out through the Community Service Department of the BEM of UTU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, was designed to deliver long-term benefits for coastal communities. Beyond improving environmental conditions, well-established mangrove areas also hold potential for development as ecotourism destinations capable of supporting the local economy.
The Head of the Community Service Department of the BEM of UTU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Telsa Amanda, stated that this activity represents the students’ contribution to applying academic knowledge in addressing environmental challenges faced by the community.
This mangrove planting initiative is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 on Climate Action and Goal 14 on the Conservation of Marine Ecosystems. Through collaboration among the university, village government, local communities, and environmental groups, the programme is expected to strengthen coastal resilience while safeguarding the sustainability of natural resources in West Aceh. ***
