Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting

From electricity consumption and infrastructure development to manufacturing and distribution, the industrial sector stands among the world’s largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), direct industrial emissions account for nearly 22% of total global emissions, while indirect emissions – from electricity and industrial heat – contribute another 31%. This places the industrial sector at the center of the climate challenge and makes it a priority for emission reduction. 

Recognizing this responsibility, Jaya Obayashi has strengthened its commitment to balancing industrial growth with environmental protection through sustainability-driven initiatives. Hardy Tekyawan, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, explained the company not only complies with ISO 14001 international environmental management, but also strives to go beyond compliance by taking direct action. 

“Our parent company is deeply committed to sustainability and, as a construction subsidiary, we are encouraged to actively contribute as well. It’s no longer just about meeting regulations, but about taking part in real environmental action,” he said

Turing Commitment into Action: 500 Trees for Urban Forest Expansion 

As part of their ongoing sustainability efforts, Jaya Obayashi has committed to expanding the urban forest located within the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) area in Cikarang, West Java – one of Indonesia’s largest and most active industrial hubs in the Greater Jakarta region. With support from Trees4Trees, Jaya Obayashi recently planted 500 trees in this location. 

Kentaro Miyashita, Jaya Obayashi’s General Affairs Admin Advisor, confirmed that over 50 employees from various divisions took part in this initiative as planting volunteers. “Every year, we improve and strengthen our sustainability program, while also encouraging more staff to connect to environmental protection efforts,” he said. 

Hardy added that the company’s approach to sustainability applies across all business levels, from head office to project sites. “Our internal engagement must be strong, so everyone consciously participates in environmental responsibility.” 

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting
Hardy (left), a member of the Jaya Obayashi Board of Directors, receives a tree-planting certificate from Trees4Trees’ Director, Pandu Budi Wahono.

Beyond Compliance: Annual Sustainable Programs 

Ramdan and Tasya, from the Jaya Obayashi Corporate Communications and Legal team, also explained that urban reforestation is one of several environmental programs which the Company carries out on a regular basis. “In addition to this tree-planting activity,” explained Ramdan, “we also conducted mangrove planting from 2022 to 2024 and have continued our upcycling program for old employee uniforms.” 

Both went on to emphasize that these efforts are designed, not only to address environmental impact, but also to build a culture of awareness within the organization. By engaging and involving employees, the company aims to strengthen environmental consciousness through practical action. 

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees
(Above) Ramdan (crouching in the center) and Tasya (second from the right), together with other Jaya Obayashi employees finish planting trees in a plot of land within the GIIC industrial area. (Below) Over 50 members of staff from Jaya Obayashi join in the tree-planting activity.

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees

Reversing the Damage, Contributing to Climate Action 

The urban forest planting initiative forms part of Jaya Obayashi’s broader vision to help restore the ecological function of industrial landscapes – areas often exposed to higher temperatures, increased emissions, and land degradation. Tree planting serves as a way to mitigate ecological stress while contributing to positive climate action.

“We all know that global warming is worsening,” says Ramdan. “Through initiatives like this, we are aligning our efforts with the UN SDGs by taking real action.” The company hopes the newly planted trees will provide long-term environmental improvements, while converting unused areas into green buffer zones. 

Tomi Bustomi, Trees4Trees’ Regional Manager for West Java, explained that a mix of tree species was selected to accelerate canopy formation. “These trees sequester emissions and produce oxygen,” he said. “We use a combination of shade trees like rain trees along with fast-growing species such as gmelina, albizia, and cadamba to speed up greening and ecological recovery.” 

The event was also joined by Trees4Trees Green Ambassadors Tantri (Kotak) and Arda Hatna, whose presence brought extra excitement to the initiative. “The energy and enthusiasm were incredible,” said Tantri. “We hope these trees will help ease today’s climate challenges, growing into shade and absorbing emissions in this industrial area.” 

Their participation shows how collective action can inspire more people to take part in real climate solutions. 

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting
Tomi Bustomi helps a volunteer with the hands-on aspect of Jaya Obayashi’s tree-planting program.
Arda and Tantri plant trees with Trees4Trees
Arda and Tantri, Trees4Trees green ambassadors joined the tree-planting as volunteers.
A Sense of Peace and Purpose 

Hardy emphasized that the initiative is meant, not only to restore the environment, but also to demonstrate the value of trees to human life. “We love trees because they give us oxygen and support the well-being of humankind and all living creatures. I hope this program inspires others to follow a similar path,” he said. 

Jaya Obayashi staff plant trees
(Above) After planting each seedling, Kentaro braces them with a supporting stake, which will help them to grow tall and strong. (Below) Trees4Trees and Jaya Obayashi staff members, working together in the GIIC industrial area.

Balancing Industrial Growth with Urban Forest Planting

Sharing the same sentiment, Kentaro highlighted the cultural perspectives rooted in the company’s Japanese heritage. “Wooden houses are traditionally very common in Japan, so we naturally feel a cultural closeness to trees,” he explained. Trees, he noted, symbolize both beauty and life. “When we look at trees, they bring a sense of peace. The greenery is soothing to the eyes.”  

In closing, he emphasized that protecting trees today means protecting the future. Continuing planting and protecting trees is not just an environmental responsibility, but also a way of preserving life and culture for future generations. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita 

Earth Day 2025: Creating an Urban Forest with FedEx

Earth Day

Every year on April 22, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day, an urgent call to reduce our collective carbon footprint and contribute to positive environmental developments. Answering that call, FedEx Indonesia took part in a tree-planting event at the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Cikarang, Bekasi on April 26, 2025. The initiative set out to create an urban forest that can regreen one of Jakarta’s major industrial buffer zones. 

Garrick Thompson, Managing Director of FedEx Indonesia, confirmed the initiative was not just a celebration of Earth Day, but also a reflection of the company’s commitment to nature-positive action. The FedEx Indonesia office is located in the heart of Jakarta, where issues like traffic and air pollution are a daily challenge. In nearby buffer zones like Bekasi, where the GIIC is located, environmentally friendly actions can have a wide-ranging impact for people living and working in the city.  

“You know, this environment that we live and work in is fragile,” said Thompson, who is committed to finding solutions for environmental problems in his local area. “There’s a lot of land we can regenerate, and thereby give back to nature,” he added. 

(Above) Garrick Thompson, Managing Director of FedEx Indonesia, who joined the tree-planting event in Cikarang this April.

Planting Trees, Seeding Progress  

The tree-planting initiative was a collaborative effort between FedEx Indonesia, Trees4Trees, and the GIIC management. A total of 300 trees were planted, which will provide shade and fruit in the new urban forest.  

Trees like cadamba (jabon), gmelina, albizia (sengon) jackfruit, and avocado were chosen for their resilience – they should be able to take root and thrive, even in the area’s poor soil, which has been degraded by years of rapid land conversion for industrial development. These trees will provide shade, a simple step which is proven to reduce temperatures and improve airflow in urban areas.    

The planting was carried out by a large team of volunteers from FedEx, who demonstrated their dedication, and the commitment of their company, to environmental preservation. 

(Above) More than 50 FedEx team members took part in the project, which successfully planted 300 new trees around the GIIC in Bekasi.

“We’re excited to bring our team here together with Trees4Trees,” explained Thompson during the tree-planting activities. “We have more than 50 people from our team helping out today,” he added, before noting that this kind of activity will help engender an environmental mindset among employees moving forwards. “It’s a great opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility to give back and to find ways to contribute to a sustainable environment,” he added. 

Dewi Herniani, Vendor Clearance Manager at FedEx, found the experience especially meaningful. Raised in a village close to nature, she was excited to reconnect with the environment through this initiative. “We were each assigned six trees for planting today, but I’m happy that I managed to plant 10,” she said proudly. Dewi hopes to participate in more activities like this, as part of FedEx’s ongoing sustainability program. “If no one cares about greening the environment, and the world ends up without trees, what would it look like? That’s why I believe it’s important for us to act together,” she added. 

(Above) Dewi Herniani, FedEx Indonesia Vendor Clearance Manager, gets her hands dirty and commits to making an impact through urban forestry.

Contributing to FedEx’s Carbon Reduction Goals 

As a global logistics company, FedEx understands the importance of contributing to environmental sustainability. During the event, Thompson noted that tree-planting activities like this contribute to FedEx’s wider sustainability mission. 

“We place a big emphasis on sustainability in our business,” he said. “Our target at FedEx is to be carbon neutral by 2040 and this tree-planting activity plays a big role in helping us achieve that.” Thompson also added that this sustainability goal is a priority, not only for the company, but also for its customers.  

Rahmat Fauzi works in the FedEx Customer Service team. He confirmed that environmental preservation is an integral part of FedEx’s corporate culture. “FedEx is focusing on creating linkages between company, community, and environment. By working together, we can achieve positive impacts,” he said.

(Above) Adi Gani, Trees4Trees’ Project Manager, presents a tree-planting certificate to Garrick Thompson, Managing Director of FedEx Indonesia.
Earth Day
(Above) FedEx employees carefully planted the new saplings together, then watered them and added fertilizer to give the new growth a good chance of survival.

A Shared Responsibility for a Greener Future 

Dewi believes caring for the environment isn’t just a corporate responsibility, but an important path for individuals to follow too. “At FedEx, we’re not just working – each of us has a role in protecting the environment,” before adding that “we all breathe the same air; planting trees is something anyone can do to produce cleaner air, even starting with just one tree.” 

Rahmat added that FedEx’s culture encourages both the company and individuals to act together for the environment, while also giving back to nature and communities. “Humans and nature are connected,” he said. “If we protect nature, it protects us; if we harm it, it harms us back. Initiatives like this are a way to ensure better environmental sustainability in the future,” he added. 

The 300 new trees planted by the FedEx team are expected to grow strong and support a healthier environment in the industrial area, helping reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, increase green cover to cool the climate, and bring lasting benefits to surrounding areas. With support from Trees4Trees, FedEx Indonesia is furthering their sustainability mission and helping to secure a greener, cleaner future for Jakarta’s urban areas. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Kemas Duga Muis 

Preventing Disasters, Empowering Communities of the Slopes of Mount Salak

Preventing Disasters

Mount Salak in Bogor, part of the Halimun-Salak National Park in West Java, serves as a key water catchment area, a significant carbon sink, and a habitat for at least 200 species of flora and fauna. This includes the Javan hawk eagle, a bird of prey that is threatened by extinction. Spanning over 113,000 hectares of conservation land, Mount Salak’s ecosystem not only protects the largest lowland rainforest in the region and supports biodiversity but also provides for communities in the surrounding area.  

However, heavy rainfall on the mountain can make its slopes highly susceptible to erosion, which can cause disastrous landslides and flooding. The surrounding Tamansari District is one of Mount Salak’s buffer areas most affected and is especially at risk during the rainy season. While the landscape may appear green at first glance, several open areas in and around the villages lack tree cover, leaving them vulnerable to environmental degradation. 

To help local communities address these issues and mitigate future impacts, and as part of their ongoing corporate sustainability program. Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia teamed up with Trees4Treesto implement a tree-planting project in the region.

CSR Sumitomo Group
Over 50 Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia employees planted trees to help prevent erosion in Tamansari Village, a Mount Salak buffer zone. 

Erosion Control and Improved Carbon Sequestration 

These actions are both timely and sorely needed. Just last year, Tamansari District was hit by a major landslide and flash flood. This followed similar disasters in 2021 and 2023, which seriously threatened the lives of villagers and uprooted local livelihoods. 

In response, Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia has committed to planting 2,000 trees around Tamansari Village in Tamansari District. This project aims to increase tree cover and reduce the risk of future landslides by controlling the erosion that can trigger potentially deadly disasters. 

Preventing Disasters
Five tree species including eucalyptus, burflower-tree, avocado, jackfruits, and langsat tree, were planted to enhance the environment and support local communities’ livelihoods.

“We chose the slopes of Mount Salak, part of the Citiis River watershed, due to their critical condition,” explains Adi Gani, Trees4Trees’ Project Manager, noting that several degraded open lands need to be restored. “We hope the trees we have planted will help reduce disaster risks, improve water catchment, and benefit local communities,” he says. 

Preventing Disasters
Joining as volunteers, the employees gain valuable knowledge on proper tree planting techniques, including watering and fertilizing.

Another major benefit of this program is its support for Mount Salak’s environmental role as a major carbon sink, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation in line with Sumitomo Group’s corporate sustainability goals. 

“We have a goal to reduce CO₂ emissions,” says Koji Imakita, President Director of Sumiden Serasi Wire Product, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia, who participated as a tree-planting volunteer. “While we recognize that the number of trees we have planted is relatively small, this is a significant step forward in our mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”  

Plant a Planet: Seeding a More Sustainable Future 

Various employees of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia and its subsidiaries joined together to volunteer in tree-planting activities coordinated by Trees4Trees. The program, themed ‘Plant a Planet’, demonstrates the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability as part of its corporate responsibility commitments. 

Preventing Disasters
Hand in hand, Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia successfully planted 800 trees, while another 1,200 trees were planted with the involvement of local communities.

“Previously, we planted mangroves, and now we’re expanding to tree planting in a different location,” said Mulyadi, a volunteer and HR Community Representative from one of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia’s subsidiaries. “We hope this initiative will make positive impacts, because a healthy planet is the greatest legacy we can leave behind for future generations.” 

Mario Eko Cumentas is the Chairperson of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia Area Committee. He confirmed that the current initiative forms part of the company’s global commitment to environmental preservation and its support for local communities. “Our main goal is to contribute to environmental sustainability so that nature, in turn, continues to support life for future generations,” said Mario. “This includes local communities living in the vicinity,” he added. 

Gohoyoshi: A Commitment to Positive Community Impact 

As a company with Japanese roots, Sumitomo Group upholds a core principle of Gohoyoshi, also known as the ‘five-way win’ approach, which represents the company’s commitment to create positive outcomes for all stakeholders. This includes employees, suppliers, customers, stockholders, and socially vulnerable communities. A key aspect of this tree-planting initiative is the central role of local communities.  

“This tree-planting initiative is very important to us,” explains Koji Imakita. “At Sumitomo Group Indonesia, we follow Gohoyoshi, or the Five-Way Win, as our business philosophy, which prioritizes community well-being. And that’s why we strive to contribute as much as we can to the local communities around us.” 

Guided by the spirit of Gohoyoshi, the company’s sustainability programs not only aim to benefit stakeholders, including local communities, but also to support a healthier environment. This, in turn, supports long-term success and business sustainability. Together with Trees4Trees, Sumitomo Group is helping turn these commitments into tangible impacts for people and planet. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita 

Extending Reforestation in Bojonegoro: An Initiative for a Greener Future

It was 9 AM in the morning in Pandantoyo Village in Bojonegoro Regency, but it was already blazing hot. Some locals, however, said it was milder compared to the dry season. Even in 2019, the temperature reached 44 degree Celcius at midday. Incredibly hot days those were!

Although the temperature stood at 32 degrees Celsius that morning, according to AccuWeather, staff of Alliance One Indonesia and Indonesia Tri Sembilan gathered to volunteer in a tree-planting event, continuing their companies’ reforestation commitment.

“This is our second year planting trees together with Trees4Trees. This year, we’re continuing the effort by planting more trees in Pandantoyo and two other villages,” said Iba Swasono, the Alliance One Indonesia Operational Manager for Bojonegoro Regency. He also emphasized that this year, both companies have planted a total of 11,000 trees to improve the environment and support local communities.

Extending Reforestation
Despite the scorching heat, all participants including Iba Swasono (below) joined the tree-planting enthusiastically.

Extending Reforestation

Involving Staff and Local Communities in a Green Mission

Around 30 staff members from both companies joined the event, working together to plant 400 trees. In addition to involving staff as volunteers, local communities and farmers partnering with the companies were also engaged.

“I am very excited to see farmers and local communities involved in this initiative and this is the most exciting part of it,” said Leandro Silveira, President Director of Alliance One Indonesia.

Baroroh, Program Department Head of Indonesia Tri Sembilan, shared that the company engages all staff in tree-planting, not only at events but also around plantation sites and their homes. Despite the challenges of the tree-planting event in the heat, she found it rewarding. “It’s exciting to learn which trees thrive in Bojonegoro’s heat. More importantly, we’re helping reduce carbon emissions,” she said.

plant trees
Baroroh (above), who participated in the tree-planting event for the past two years, planted trees with her team. All participants were full of spirits joining the event (below).

Extending Reforestation

 

Planting Trees, Addressing Complex Environmental Issues

The environmental issues in Bojonegoro are complex. The regency is known for its rich petroleum reserves, which are believed to contribute to rising temperatures due to petroleum industry activities. Large-scale deforestation has also played a role in temperature spikes, driven by the rapid development of plantations, residential areas, and local farming activities.

“The temperature wasn’t as high as it is now. Since many trees have been cut down, the days have felt much hotter,” explained Yatemi, a local resident. She lives near an open plot of land that was once cultivated with sugarcane, but remained unproductive, without shading trees.

Ade, a local farmer, shared that in addition to raising livestock, many locals rely on farming as their primary livelihood. “We plant crops that thrive in hot temperatures, such as corn, sugarcane, and tobacco,” he said. Despite the significant profits, unfortunately they are not familiar with sustainable farming practices, leading to a significant tree cover decline. This has resulted in local communities facing not only land degradation and soaring temperatures but also drought and water scarcity.

“When the dry season comes, Pandantoyo village struggles with clean water access due to water sources drying up,” said Khoirum Minan, the Trees4Trees Unit Manager responsible for tree planting in Bojonegoro.

Planting Trees

A Sustainable Program for A Healthier Environment

With the sustainable tree-planting initiative of both companies, positive impacts on the environment and people in Bojonegoro are expected. According to Iba, the main goal is to restore critical areas and plants trees that yield benefits, positively affect the community and the environment. “Communities depend on the environment. So, if the environment is damaged, it will affect the surrounding communities,” said Iba.

Extending Reforestation
Leandro Silveira planted trees together with local communities

Supporting this initiative, Trees4Trees provided three species of trees to help achieve environmental and social impacts. “We provide indigofera, highly beneficial as livestock fodder. Additionally, we planted jackfruit trees for their economic value and suren trees for their pest-prevention benefits in community forestry. All of these are also resistant to hot temperatures,” said Pandu Budi Wahono, the Trees4Trees Director.

As part of both companies’ sustainability program, the initiative aims to plant 6,000 trees this year, with plans to continue planting annually to reach 53,000 trees in total.

“We know sustainability takes time. We cannot grow all the trees in just one year. The trees we are growing now are not to be cut or used in production but to improve the environment where our farmer community lives. That’s why we’ll plant each year and keep continuing in the coming years,” said Silveira.

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photo: Yulianisa Dessenita

Microsoft’s Green Initiative: Expanding Urban Forests in West Java

Microsoft’s Green Initiative: Expanding Urban Forests in West Java

In Cikarang, West Java, the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) is starting to be crisscrossed with corridors of green. Over the past two years, Trees4Trees has been working with Microsoft and One Tree Planted to regreen this urban area, by planting trees and engaging communities in reforestation efforts. These trees will be joined by new growth in the weeks ahead, as part of a new chapter in the ongoing story of regeneration in Cikarang.  

In November 2022, the tree-planting initiative kicked off in the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Bekasi and the Karawang International Industrial Center (KIIC) in Karawang. As two of Indonesia’s biggest industrial hubs, both locations have to contend with serious environmental issues, from air pollution and rising temperatures to soil degradation and subsidence.  

With more than 40,000 trees planted between 2022 and 2023, both have seen positive changes over time, with more improvements ready to take root in the months ahead. From December 2024 to February 2025, an additional 20,000 trees are being planted, further enhancing the urban environment with nature-based solutions. 

Trees
Trees planted during 2022 and 2023 are already thriving.

Restoring soil, reviving the ecosystem 

The primary goal of the latest tree-planting program is to conserve water and soil. Several species of shade trees will be planted over the next few months, including burflower (jabon), albizia, suren, and black-wood cassia (johar). “We intend to plant 14,500 trees in the GIIC, and more in community lands around the KIIC,” explains Pandu Budi Wahono, Director of Trees4Trees. 

“Industrial areas tend to feature marginal lands characterized by nutrient-deficient soils,” he says. “To address this issue, Trees4Trees focuses on planting fast-growing shade trees that are both well-suited to poor soil and able to improve it over time by recycling nutrients. Restoring soil health and reviving the ecosystem is our top priority,” he added. 

Pandu and Arina
Pandu Budi Wahono (left), Trees4Trees’ Director presents a tree-planting certificate to Arina Dafir (right), Microsoft’s Community Affairs Manager – Southeast Asia.

A new chapter in the story  

To kick off the next phase of Microsoft’s ongoing urban forestry initiative, a tree-planting event was held on November 22, 2024, at GIIC, Cikarang. The event involved Microsoft’s stakeholders and staff, with over 100 volunteers working together to plant 600 new trees. “We want to be part of the community, and we’ve brought together all the different stakeholders today to support this program,” said Arina Dafir, Microsoft’s Community Affairs Manager – Southeast Asia. 

One of these stakeholders is the Nusantara Academy, represented by Erick Hadi, the founder of the academy. He confirmed they are committed to promoting environmental awareness: “it’s great to see a lot of companies today sending representatives to do something good for the Earth,” he said at the event. Kentaro Miyashita, GA Admin Advisor of Jaya Obayashi, who also volunteered for this event, said “I hope events like this will continue in the future, encouraging more people to join, providing them with opportunities to think more about the global environment.” 

Planting event
(Above) Erick Hadi, founder of Nusantara Academy, one of Microsoft’s key stakeholders, is excited to join the event; and (below) Microsoft’s key stakeholders come together hand-in-hand for tree planting.

Microsoft’s Green Initiative

Impact and inspiration: Working together with local communities 

The event demonstrated Microsoft’s wider commitment to creating lasting impacts, both on the environment and in local communities living near the data center in GIIC. “In addition to tree planting,” explains Microsoft’s Community Engagement Lead for Indonesia, Dania Pratiwi, “Microsoft has also undertaken other initiatives including providing local communities with access to clean water, community empowerment funding for school infrastructure development, and digital skills improvement,” she said.  

Tree Planting event
Not only adults, but also children, under their parents’ supervision, volunteered to plant trees.

Microsoft’s Green Initiative

“It’s truly inspiring how Microsoft invites the community to work together for a better environment,” said Danastri Widoningtyas, Program Manager of Yayasan Rumah Energi, one of Microsoft’s community partners. Happy Syarifudin, from the GIIC Community Relations department, also noted that Microsoft’s initiative has already inspired some other companies to follow their example. “I believe in the coming year more companies will engage in similar initiatives,” he said. 

‘Responsible neighbors’: Microsoft Global Sustainability Goals 

Through an ongoing process of urban forest expansion, Microsoft aims to achieve lasting impacts that align with their global sustainability goals. To support this mission, Microsoft is continually looking for new ways to give back to nature and engender a more sustainable, better-connected society. 

“Supporting programs like this is an investment in the future,” explains Arina Dafir, Microsoft’s Community Manager – Southeast Asia, “because the trees that we plant today will continue to benefit nature and communities for many years to come. We are striving to be good, responsible neighbors to the communities we live with and the environment we operate in.” 

Highlighting the visible green impact of the tree-planting initiative on the industrial area, Happy Syarifudin, representing GIIC management, expressed his sincere gratitude to Microsoft and Trees4Trees for their collaboration. “This marks the third year of Microsoft’s urban forestry initiative. We hope this program will continue to expand, bringing greater benefits to both the environment and the local community,” he said. 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita & Kemas Duga Muis/Trees4Trees 

UPS: Delivering Positive Environment Impacts

Search for Setu District on Google Earth, and the satellite throws up a lonely patch of green, squeezed between Bogor and the two major industrial centers of Jakarta and Bekasi.  

In recent years, the forested fringes of Setu have been giving way to new residential areas, shopping centers, buildings, and other infrastructure projects. The roads are increasingly clogged with cars, chugging to work in a cloud of petrol fumes.  

But solutions are on the way. Working in collaboration with Trees4Trees and the International Tree Foundation, the United Parcel Service (UPS) recently began a tree-planting program in Setu District that is bringing a breath of fresh air back to this important buffer zone. 

UPS contributions to the global sustainability movement 

On March 9, 2024, UPS set up camp at Hobbit Hills Eco Village for their second Indonesian tree planting project in the past year. According to Maya Sarininta, General Manager of UPS Indonesia, the latest initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental improvement.  

Maya Sarininta, General Manager of UPS Indonesia, leads the way in the company’s recent tree-planting activities

“This tree-planting event is part of our global sustainability program, which aims to plant 50 million trees worldwide by 2030,” said Maya during the event at Hobbit Hills. “Last year, we planted 1,200 mangroves in the coastal area of Jakarta. This year, we will continue the tree-planting program by planting various trees in terrestrial areas to enhance Jakarta’s buffer zone. We hope to plant more trees next year with the participation of our staff, working towards our global goal,” she added. 

The many benefits of an urban forest 

UPS’ program successfully planted 600 trees, comprising eight different species that will eventually grow into a new urban forest. These include local hardwood trees such as jabon, sengon, suren, and trembesi, which provide shade and can even help reduce temperatures in urban areas.  

Multi-purpose trees like durian, petai, and clove were also planted at the site. These trees support the environment by sucking up carbon dioxide, while also helping keep a lid on pollution and heat. Even better, their fruits can provide local communities with sustainable new livelihoods. 

Pandu Budi Wahono is Trees4Trees Program Manager. Speaking at the event, he noted that all partners involved in the project were excited about the long-term changes a bit of green could bring to the neighborhood. “We hope all the trees planted today on this farm will be properly nurtured and beneficial to the next generation, particularly in this area,” said Pandu. 

The GM of UPS Indonesia (left) receives a tree-planting certificate from Trees4Trees Program Manager (right)

It takes a village: Working together for a greener future 

The tree-planting event brought together staff from UPS and Hobbit Hills Eco Village, along with members of the local community as volunteers. “We involved UPS staff from all departments and invited families, including children, who were eager to join,” explained Mohammed Akbar, Chief of Community UPS Indonesia who was the tree-planting event coordinator. 

“I planted over ten trees today,” giggled Misha, one of several children who joined in. “It was exciting to know the correct ways to plant trees, and of course, to get my hands dirty without any complaints from my mom! I hope I can come back here to pick their fruits,” she added.  

UPS staff and their families learn how to plant trees using a sustainable, organic approach.

Misha’s Mom, Ira, is a member of UPS Indonesia staff. She believes kids should be engaged in environmental education from a young age. “I brought my two children here to teach them about nature, how trees give us life and essential elements like oxygen. It’s crucial for the next generation to learn and contribute to nature preservation,” said Ira. 

A UPS staff member planted trees with her children. Involving children in the tree-planting event as volunteers was part of the early education to introduce the importance of protecting nature and planting trees to the next generation

The latest tree planting program from UPS is a small part of their global sustainability goals. “UPS supports any environmental movement that makes a positive impact on the environment, especially efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming for a better future,” noted Farah, the UPS Co Chief of Community who was the assistance coordinator of the tree-planting event at the end of a long day’s planting on Hobbit Hill Eco Village. 

From Setu District to the rest of West Java, UPS Indonesia is working to positively impact communities and the environment as part of their global sustainability commitments. Through fruitful partnerships with Trees4Trees and the International Tree Foundation, UPS is determined to deliver on its green initiative.