Jakarta, 2025 – Working together to protect Indonesia’s coastlines, Seasoldier and AEON Indonesia planted 10,000 mangrove seedlings across Semarang and Surabaya as part of a joint coastal conservation effort. This event held special meaning as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of both organisations, which share a strong commitment to environmental preservation.
The decision to focus on Semarang and Surabaya was based on the significant environmental challenges these coastal areas encounter, such as tidal flooding (rob), erosion, and the ongoing degradation of natural ecosystems. This initiative was also aligned with AEON’s plan to open new AEON Supermarket stores in both cities, demonstrating the company’s commitment to taking real, tangible actions for environmental conservation.
Semarang – Mangunharjo
On July 31, 2025, Mangunharjo was the starting point for the initiative at Semarang. 5000 mangrove seeds were planted to restore and protect the coastal ecosystem. The area has long been vulnerable to coastal erosion and tidal flooding, making it a priority site for recovery and protection to maintain a balanced coastal ecosystem.
“Why mangroves? Mangroves protect coastal areas while simultaneously creating thriving ecosystems that support rich biodiversity,” said Mr. Okushima Osamu, representative of AEON Indonesia, during his opening speech in Semarang.
In addition to the mangrove planting, a Beach Clean Up (BCU) was also carried out, collecting 108.48 kilograms of waste, most of which consisted of plastic and other non-organic debris.
As part of its commitment to supporting sustainable local conservation, AEON Indonesia helped build an 82-meter bridge in the Mangunharjo mangrove area. The bridge is expected to improve access for volunteers and the Mangrove Lestari Farmer Group, enabling them to care for, monitor, and protect the long-term health of the local mangrove ecosystems.
In addition to supporting this infrastructure, this initiative was enhanced by 5,000 mangrove seedlings, providing not only ecological benefits but also contributing to the local economy and society.
“Speaking of the impact of planting 5,000 mangroves, it’s not just about the environmental impact, but also the economic and social impacts,” said Dinni Septyaningrum, Founder and COO of Seasoldier.
By combining mangrove restoration with coastal clean-up efforts, the activity simultaneously strengthened natural coastal defences while raising public awareness about the importance of clean and sustainable coastal ecosystems.
Surabaya – Wonorejo
On August 2, 2025, the project continued in Surabaya by planting 5,000 mangrove seedlings at the Wonorejo Mangrove Conservation Area. Unlike Mangunharjo, which borders the open sea, Wonorejo is located on the eastern side of Surabaya within the lower reaches of the Brantas River Basin, the second-longest river on Java. Its location makes Wonorejo a strategic estuary, playing a key role in maintaining water quality and supporting the balance of the coastal ecosystem, as it receives river flows from upstream carrying sediments and nutrients.
Wonorejo serves a dual purpose: it functions as a protected conservation zone and doubles as an educational eco-tourism destination. The planting event aimed to enhance the area’s ecological role and provided volunteers with hands-on experience in understanding how mangroves form a critical ecosystem for long-term coastal sustainability.
“Celebrating AEON’s 10th anniversary alongside the opening of our store in Surabaya, we have planted 5,000 mangroves. We hope our presence will bring meaningful benefits to the environment and the local economy,” said Mr. Inoue Yusuke, representative of AEON Indonesia.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Coastal Future
Through this two-city initiative, Seasoldier and AEON demonstrated that environmental conservation is not solely the duty of the government, but rather a shared effort between communities, the private sector, and the public.
“In environmental conservation, many stakeholders are involved, making a collective effort essential. From companies and communities like Seasoldier to the government, everyone must work hand in hand to make it happen,” said Dinni Septyaningrum, Founder and COO of Seasoldier.
Over the past decade, Seasoldier has committed to mangrove conservation, focusing on planting and long-term care growth and mangrove survival. During this period, a total of 69.379 mangrove seeds were planted across various coastal areas. This effort includes continuous monitoring and maintenance to help the seedlings thrive and adapt to their natural environment. This decade of dedication reflects Seasoldier’s mission to create lasting environmental impact while empowering local communities to play an active role in the protection and recovery of coastal ecosystems.
These collective efforts over the past decade carry a deeper meaning. Every seedling planted and every piece of trash collected represents a symbol of hope: coastal areas that are stronger and more resilient, healthier oceans, and a greener future for generations to come.
Writer: Novi Wiji Lestari
Editor: Diyah Deviyanti