BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – The Bali Provincial Chapter of the Indonesian Online Journalists Association (Ikatan Wartawan Online/IWO) has pledged to go beyond planting mangroves by helping monitor and protect mangrove ecosystems in the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park (Tahura Ngurah Rai). The commitment was formalized through the signing of a joint agreement with the park’s management during a mangrove planting event commemorating Indonesia’s Youth Pledge Day on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The activity involved Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, dozens of members of the Nature-Loving Student Group (SISPALA) from SMA Negeri 1 Kuta, and the Mangrove Ranger Indonesia community. The initiative aimed to encourage broader public participation in protecting Bali’s coastal ecosystems.

IWO Bali Chairperson Tri Widiyanti said the participation of journalists reflected a commitment to environmental conservation through direct action. She emphasized that journalists have a role not only in delivering information to the public but also in contributing to efforts to protect the environment.

“As journalists, we are committed not only to reporting the news but also to helping protect Bali’s ecosystems through mangrove planting activities,” said Widiyanti, who is commonly known as Widy.

She stressed that IWO Bali’s commitment would extend beyond planting seedlings. In collaboration with the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD), the organization is prepared to help monitor mangrove areas to support long-term conservation efforts.

“Besides planting mangroves, we are also committed to helping monitor mangroves within the Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park management area,” Widy said.

The signing of the joint commitment is intended to strengthen cooperation between the journalism community and conservation area managers in protecting mangrove ecosystems and Bali’s coastal environment.

According to Widiyanti, environmental conservation requires the involvement of government institutions, community organizations, journalists, and the wider public. She expressed hope that mangrove planting would not remain a one-time activity but would instead foster a shared commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

Engaging students was another important aspect of the initiative. Through their participation, younger generations are expected to develop an early understanding of ecosystem protection and become more actively involved in environmental conservation.

Mangroves play a vital ecological role by helping protect coastlines from erosion, providing habitats for various species, and absorbing and storing carbon, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.

The event was attended by Denpasar City National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Chief Kombes Pol. Dr. Leo Dedy Defretes, S.I.K., S.H., M.H.; Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency Head I Made Dwi Arbani; Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park Technical Implementation Unit Head I Putu Agus Juliartawan, S.Hut.; and Bali Provincial Government expert adviser Dr. Drs. Agustinus Dei Segu, M.Fis., AIFO, also known as Agus Dei.

Also in attendance were Ida Bagus Narayana, S.H., adviser to the Wira Satya Mandala Nature-Loving Student Group (SISPALA) at SMA Negeri 1 Kuta; the group’s chairperson, Komang Charissa Maharani; members of IWO Bali; and the Mangrove Ranger Bali team.

Meanwhile, Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta emphasized that mangrove planting must be accompanied by proper maintenance and regular monitoring to ensure that the seedlings grow successfully and deliver tangible environmental benefits.

“Not every problem can be solved alone, but solutions can be achieved through collective efforts. We are confident that the restoration can be addressed together. Let us care for our Mother Earth—one mangrove, a million benefits,” Giri Prasta said.

Through this initiative, which brought together journalists, government representatives, environmental organizations, and students, IWO Bali hopes to translate the spirit of Indonesia’s Youth Pledge Day into concrete action to protect the natural environment.

IWO Bali emphasized that mangrove conservation must continue through ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and public awareness initiatives to safeguard the sustainability of Bali’s coastal ecosystems for future generations.