Commitment to environmental preservation in East Java continues through concrete action on Thursday morning (July 9, 2026). This initiative stemmed from a green collaboration in the Riverbank Education and Bamboo Planting program, initiated by Kampoeng Batara and Environmental Bamboo Foundation (Yayasan Bambu Lingkungan Lestari - YBLL)
This environmental action serves as a solid cross-sector synergy. YBLL successfully partnered with Perum Perhutani KPH North Banyuwangi, the Kampoeng Batara indigenous community, and academia. Dozens of university students participating in community service (KKN) and field practice (PPL) from UIN KHAS Jember and Universitas Brawijaya (UB) Malang also directly took part in the field, trekking through the wet soil for this environmental rescue mission.
Beyond just planting, participants were invited into an interactive "nature classroom." Under the guidance of Mr. Heru Nurachman (Asper BKPH North Banyuwangi), Mr. Sutikno (Mantri KPH North Banyuwangi), and Mr. Widie Nurmahmudy (Head of Kampoeng Batara), they learned together about Perhutani's land boundaries within conservation areas, the development of a bamboo arboretum, and agroforestry system techniques.
This understanding is considered vital because, ecologically, the riverbank buffer zone is the last line of defense.
This imaginary line between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems functions to maintain water quality and protect the flora and fauna along the riverbanks.
"Through this education, it is hoped that human activities around the river will not damage nature, allowing the water potential to remain optimal while reducing the destructive capacity of water on the surrounding environment," said Meyco Danu Pradana, a Village Facilitator for YBLL.
The green adventure continued as participants were invited to trek along a tributary of the Sumber Penjalin Papring River, tracking the direct path from the pure water spring source to the planting site. During the river trek, Perhutani officials issued a firm warning regarding Watershed (DAS) regulations.
In this sterile area, trees, bamboo, and Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS) like avocado are planted to maintain soil strength and water absorption.
A similar sentiment was shared by Danu, who joined the team in the field. Through his role at YBLL, he emphasized the importance of protecting the areas surrounding river flows for conservation and preserving water spring sources.
As a concrete step to restore the condition of the riverbanks, the day's action concluded with mass vegetation planting. YBLL, together with all attending elements, worked hand-in-hand to plant 30 Bennel bamboo seedlings along the river flow path.
The active involvement of university students in this movement was deliberately designed to spark sustainable environmental awareness among the younger generation, because taking care of river flows today is the primary key to ensuring water availability in the future.
