Photo: Established in 2022, Korindo Heavy Industry’s mini nursery has provided local communities with around 7,000 saplings
BALARAJA – Urban green spaces are critical in tackling environmental issues like pollution and climate change, which increasingly threaten ecosystem balance. But building these spaces is not an easy job — vacant lands are shrinking, and sapling provision requires hefty amounts of money.
Recognizing these constraints, Korindo Heavy Industry (KHI) took initiative by establishing a mini nursery at its site in mid-2022. The idea sprang from Korindo Foundation’s request for sapling supplies, as the organization sought to revitalize a former landfill in Pondok Rajeg, Cibinong (Bogor Regency) into an urban forest.
As time passed, plant growing became an ongoing program with a broader reach, serving communities outside the company’s site. Sapling distribution turned into one of KHI’s main CSR projects and go-to options for environmental preservation activities.
The young trees are provided to local farmer groups, like the Mitratani Female Farmer Group in Gembong Village and Sahabi Neighborhood Association Farmer Group in Cisoka, Tangerang Regency. “Mitratani members [especially] use the saplings to meet household food needs, since the village has a food security program. Any excess will be sold to improve their finances,” said Ahmad Aljupri, KHI’s HRD&GA’s assistant manager.
This program has also “greened” several schools in Balaraja, such as Balaraja Public Junior High 3 and Budang Kaler Public Junior High. Throughout its run, it has delivered around 7,000 saplings.
The latest addition to this number is the plants donated in this year’s Ayo Menanam, an event run every November 28 or on Indonesian Tree Planting Day by the Korindo Foundation.
KHI nursery staff regularly check and care for the plants to ensure optimal growth
Six varieties are now grown at the mini nursery: chili, tomato, sengon, avocado, turmeric, and eggplant. A special staff member manages the entire process, from seeding to maintenance.
“Once the saplings develop, we transfer them to polybags with their respective growing mediums inside. In one week, they will reach 2-3 cm in height, and then our staff can begin maintenance work, including regularly scheduled watering,” Aljupri said.
These donations receive hearty praise from the farmers, who have been showing enthusiasm for the program — mainly for productive plant saplings like chili and tomato. “Going forward, we will provide more plant varieties that meet community needs,” Aljupri added.
This positive response strengthens KHI’s commitment to promoting sustainable greening. Through the mini nursery, the company gets to contribute to urban green space expansions, bolster support for local food security, and reinforce collective efforts for better future and ecosystem balance. (PR)
