Mangrove program for carbon neutrality

NATURAL PROTECTION Kompas.com employees planted 5,000 mangrove seedlings along the coastal area of Mayangan Village, Subang, Java. —Contributed photo

BALI BEACH, WEST JAVA, Indonesia — As a leading digital media platform in Indonesia providing 24-hour news to millions of readers, Kompas.com recognizes its critical role in environmental sustainability. Kompas.com has identified that its digital growth and exploration not only bring positive impacts on society but also pose environmental risks.

In 2023, Kompas.com recorded a carbon footprint of 211.15 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq). As part of its responsibility, Kompas.com has initiated efforts to offset its carbon emissions by adopting energy-saving operational practices, such as transitioning to LED lighting. Moreover, in collaboration with Saya Pilih Bumi, Kompas.com launched the Wali Asuh Mangrove program at Pondok Bali Beach, Subang.

Mangrove planting was selected due to its substantial environmental benefits. Mangrove trees can absorb 10 times more carbon per hectare, with a growth rate four times faster than tropical rainforests. Additionally, Indonesia is home to one-fifth of the world’s mangrove forests.

The Wali Asuh Mangrove initiative engaged 50 Kompas.com employees in mangrove planting and environmental education. The event also saw participation from Saya Pilih Bumi and National Geographic Indonesia. Collaborative partners West Java Conservation Trust Fund and Wanadri Foundation played a key role in managing the conservation program in Subang.

Concrete step

The Wali Asuh Mangrove kicked off with an educational session held on Oct. 8 at Ruby Hall, Kompas Gramedia Building, Palmerah Barat. During this session, Kompas.com employees were educated on the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems and the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration.

The mangrove planting itself took place on Oct. 10, from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Pondok Bali Beach, Mayangan Village, Subang, West Java. Through this program, 5,000 mangrove seedlings were planted along the coastal area of Mayangan Village, Subang. This effort is projected to sequester approximately 217 tons of CO2eq, effectively neutralizing Kompas.com’s 2023 carbon emissions.

As the first media outfit in Indonesia that has embarked on the path towards carbon neutrality, Kompas.com believes this is a small and concrete step to demonstrate its commitment.

This initiative marks just the beginning of the company’s ongoing commitment towards sustainability. Kompas.com will continue to minimize its environmental impact, help shape a media landscape aligned with global environmental goals, and prove that responsible journalism can go hand in hand with efforts to protect the planet.

Kompas.com of Indonesia’s Kompas Gramedia is part of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-Epic), which also includes the Inquirer Group of Companies and the Star Media Group of Malaysia.