Photo: Korindo Foundation’s General Secretary Lee Sung Hoon presented Bojong Kulur Village chief Firman Riansyah with a symbolic gesture at the sapling handover Thursday (11/28)
BOGOR – For this year’s celebration of Indonesia Tree Planting Day (held every November 28), Korindo Foundation ran another “Ayo Menanam” event in tandem with Aspex Kumbong and Korindo Heavy Industry (KHI). This event featured the distribution of 1,800 saplings of chili, tomato, ginger, turmeric, sand ginger, and sengon from Aspex Kumbong and KHI’s mini nurseries to the eco-friendly “subvillage” managed by Bojong Kulur Village in Gunung Putri Subdistrict, Bogor Regency. (Eco-friendly “subvillages” are rural environmental movements initiated by the Bogor Regency government and run by villages.)
Happening Thursday (11/28), the sapling handover further promotes greening and food independence by enabling self-food production and produce trade. Once planted, the young trees would also help reduce flood intensity in the area.
“This year, 4,500 saplings have been set in soil through our annual ‘Ayo Menanam’ program, which is a way to drive participation in planting and environmental preservation. [Through this activity,] let us grow our social awareness and ecological responsibility for a healthier, safer environment,” said Korindo Foundation’s general secretary Lee Sung Hoon. “Ayo Menanam”, said Lee, is part of Korindo Group’s commitment to nature conservation.
Aspex Kumbong’s vice president director Park Chang Shu — who attended with Lee — confirmed his statement. “This activity demonstrates our promise to protect the environment and empower society. We hope it can start a positive transformation on the village ecosystem and economy, making the environment greener and the economy stronger,” Park said.
Agung Samiaji, head of Bunga Telang, the eco-friendly “subvillage”, welcomed the initiative. “We are grateful for the support… It has shown us the importance of synergy among the state, private sector, and people in promoting greening movements. We really appreciate this gesture.”
Alongside the mass planting event, Bojong Kulur residents organized a bazaar showcasing local creativity and innovation
Besides plants, Bojong Kulur received financial aid from Aspex Kumbong to empower its community of small businesses. At the handover ceremony, three people stood in on behalf of 300 store owners selling arts from recycled plastics and food products made of Asian pigeonwings, honey, and milkfish.
This aid would go to shops with little funding for daily operations and renting booths in the village bazaar, said Bojong Kulur’s leader Firman Riansyah. Held regularly, this bazaar showcases offerings from 250 local brands, which according to Riansyah would warmly accept Aspex and KHI’s assistance. While many companies operate in Gunung Putri Subdistrict, only a few allocate their CSR money for surrounding villages.
“Ayo Menanam” gives Aspex Kumbong and KHI the chance to create a lasting impact on village environment and economy. It is testament to an effort ensuring nature preservation and community empowerment. (PR)
