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UNAIR NEWS – ������ (UNAIR) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation through active participation in the 8th Mangrove Festival at Martajasah Beach in Bangkalan, East Java. Held on Monday (Nov 3, 2025), the event brought together government agencies, academic institutions, and local residents in a coordinated effort to protect mangrove ecosystems, particularly along East Java’s coast.

The festival is one of the concrete steps taken to address climate change in Indonesia. UNAIR, in collaboration with the Bangkalan chapter of UNAIR Alumni Association (IKA), contributed by planting mangroves, releasing waterbirds and crabs, and offering free healthcare services to nearby communities. The health services included general medical checkups, demonstrating UNAIR’s ongoing commitment to public health outreach.

Ensuring sustainable oxygen supply

UNAIR Rector Prof Muhammad Madyan, SE, M.Si., M.Fin., highlighted the value of mangrove restoration in improving quality of life and sustaining a healthy environment. “By planting these trees, we are also contributing to a long-term oxygen supply for human needs,” he said.

UNAIR’s participation is part of its broader community service mission to support sustainable development. The university has joined the festival multiple times, including by providing free medical care to residents of Martajasah Village in Bangkalan.

Prof Hery Purnobasuki, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of UNAIR’s Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB), added that mangrove restoration is an ongoing community-focused initiative. “We will continue to carry out similar programs. In the near future, UNAIR plans another mangrove-planting activity in Wonorejo, in collaboration with partners from Malaysia,” he said.

Recognition from Governor

During the event, UNAIR received an award from the Governor of East Java for its implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the protection and management of mangrove ecosystems. The award was accepted by the Head of LPMB and stands as acknowledgment of UNAIR’s contributions in education, research, and community engagement in environmental conservation.

Student awarded Bank Indonesia Scholarship

At the same ceremony, UNAIR student Sulton Arifin received a scholarship from Bank Indonesia. The award underscores ongoing support for young people as they strengthen their academic skills and take part in environmental initiatives.

UNAIR’s involvement in the 8th Mangrove Festival further demonstrates its dedication to advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-Being,’ SDG 6 ‘Clean Water and Sanitation,’ SDG 14 ‘Life Below Water,’ SDG 15 ‘Life on Land,’ SDG 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals,’ and SDG 13 ‘Climate Action.’

Author: Khefti Al Mawalia