As many as 40 students from the Industrial Engineering Student Association (IMTI) of the University of Indonesia conducted coral reef preservation and restoration activities in the waters of Pramuka Island, Panggang Island Urban Village, North Seribu Islands Sub-district, Seribu Islands.

Good coral reefs can increase fisheries productivity

Panggang Island Urban Village Head, Muhammad Fakih Burhanudin, welcomed the positive activities of the students to contribute to preserving the species and ecosystem in the waters of the Seribu Islands. During the activities on Pramuka Island, they were accompanied by Smiling Coral Indonesia.

"Young generations like this will continue the struggle to protect the country, preserve nature, and care for the earth. This activity is a real step in serving the country and nature," he expressed, Friday (5/31).

Besides transplanting coral reefs, students from IMTI UI also conducted mangrove planting, releasing hatchlings, and cleaning the environment to preserve the underwater ecosystem.

"Of course, their activities are precious and the impact is not now, but for the next 5-10 years. Hopefully, it can be transmitted to other communities, by loving cleanliness and protecting the environment," he expressed.

Smiling Coral Indonesia and  Pramuka Island Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Chairman, Hermansyah added dozens of students were given education on coral planting in the waters of the Seribu Islands National Park. The action of planting coral transplants was four rock life media (40 baby corals).

"They were allowed to conduct snorkeling activities in the underwater park area to make direct planting. Then, mangrove was planted using the spaced clump method and beach clean-up activities," he explained.

According to him, the coral reef conservation program was an effort to protect the ecosystem and marine biodiversity.

"Good coral reefs can increase fisheries productivity, thereby providing sustainable economic income to the community and giving solutions to overcome the global climate crisis problem," he explained.

One of the college students of UI, Adelia (22) admitted that she was happy to be involved in these activities.

"This is my first experience in transplanting coral reefs and planting mangroves. This is enjoyable, as I can participate in preserving our environment," he concluded.