BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR — The collaboration between the Bali chapter of the Online Journalists Association (Ikatan Wartawan Online, or IWO Bali) and SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala of SMA Negeri 1 Kuta is expected to expand beyond mangrove planting to include journalism training and other initiatives aimed at developing students’ skills.

Ida Bagus Narayana, adviser to SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala at SMA Negeri 1 Kuta, welcomed the collaboration during a mangrove planting activity held at Mangrove Arboretum Park, within Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park (Tahura Ngurah Rai), Denpasar, on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The event also received direct support from Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, who attended the planting activity.

Narayana, popularly known as Gus Yana, said involving students directly in environmental conservation was an effective way to develop their awareness and sense of responsibility toward nature.

“Young people should not simply be given information; they need to get involved and experience things firsthand. Through direct participation in mangrove planting at Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park, they gain authentic experiences that they can later share with the public,” he said.

According to Narayana, Ngurah Rai Grand Forest Park offers more than scenic views and ecotourism opportunities. The area can also serve as a natural learning environment where young people develop a deeper understanding of environmental conservation, particularly the protection of coastal ecosystems.

He expressed hope that the partnership would continue beyond mangrove planting activities. Collaboration with journalists, he said, could also provide opportunities for students to improve their communication skills and learn the fundamentals of journalism.

“Going forward, we hope this collaboration will not stop at environmental activities. We would like to see it continue through initiatives to build students’ capacities, including journalism training facilitated by our colleagues at IWO Bali,” he said.

Promoting Environmental Responsibility Through Tri Hita Karana

Narayana emphasized that mangrove planting was not merely a greening initiative but also an opportunity to build character, responsibility, and a willingness to take action among members of SISPALA.

He said these values align with the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony among humans and God, between people, and between humans and the natural environment.

Through this philosophy, SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala seeks to develop young people who are not only resilient in outdoor activities but also socially aware and committed to protecting the environment.

Narayana hopes that every organizational activity will produce tangible benefits and foster lasting environmental awareness. He wants students to move beyond talking about conservation and become role models through consistent, practical action.

He also called on Bali’s younger generation to take greater responsibility for protecting the island’s natural environment, stressing that conservation requires cooperation and a shared commitment from all sectors of society.

Student Calls for Sustainable Conservation Efforts

Meanwhile, Ni Putu Chika Marsya Juliastiti, public relations officer for SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala at SMA Negeri 1 Kuta, said she was delighted to participate in the mangrove planting activity with IWO Bali at Mangrove Arboretum Park.

Chika described the initiative as a valuable opportunity for young people to make a direct contribution to protecting Bali’s coastal environment.

She expressed hope that similar activities would continue and involve more organizations and members of the public, particularly young people.

According to Chika, even small actions can inspire wider participation and encourage communities to become more conscious of the importance of protecting natural ecosystems.

She urged people to work together to preserve the environment through concrete and consistent action.

Building a More Environmentally Conscious Generation

The collaboration between journalists, educators, students, government representatives, and environmental communities is expected to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation in conservation and youth development.

Mangroves play an important role in coastal ecosystems by helping reduce erosion, providing habitats for various species, and absorbing and storing carbon.

Ensuring their survival requires more than planting. Continued maintenance, monitoring, and public awareness are essential to protecting these ecosystems for future generations.

For SISPALA Wira Satya Mandala, environmental stewardship is not simply a slogan but a responsibility that must be demonstrated through action.