Real Efforts to Reduce Critical Land and Increase Environmental Awareness

Jepara - Jepara Regency Government Re-launches “Jepara Menanam Phase II 2026” Program with Planting of 300 Fruit Tree Seedlings in Suwengen Hamlet, Somosari Village, Batealit Subdistrict, Friday (24/04/2026).

The activity was attended by Jepara Regent H. Witiarso Utomo, represented by the Regent’s Expert Staff for Economy and Finance, Farikhah Elida, along with several heads of relevant Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), representatives from the Jepara Forkopimda, Forkopimcam, leaders of companies, state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), village government officials, Perhutani, environmental activists, and other invited guests.

The Jepara Menanam (Jepara Plants) Program is a strategic initiative by the Jepara Regency Government to reduce the area of critical land while increasing public awareness and concern for the environment. The government, together with the community, has agreed to plant 800 thousand seedlings every year, with a target of reaching 3.2 million trees over a four-year period.

Various types of plants are planted in this program, including hardwood trees and fruit trees that have economic value. Thus, the greening activity not only provides ecological benefits but also has an impact on improving community welfare.

In Somosari Village itself, there are 217 hectares of critical land recorded. Through this program, it is hoped that it can become an effort to save the environment, preserve water sources, and serve as a mitigation step against the potential for landslides and wider natural damage.

Head of the Jepara Regency Environmental Agency (DLH), Rini Padmini, stated that the Jepara Menanam Program will become an annual agenda. Seedlings are provided through the DLH nursery and in collaboration with various parties.

“The types of seedlings prepared are quite diverse, ranging from hardwood trees to fruit trees such as sengon, sea pine, ketapang, avocado, jackfruit, durian, mango, tabebuya, matoa, and breadfruit. We hope that these seedlings are not only planted but also cared for until they grow strong and provide long-term benefits for the environment,” she said.

Meanwhile, in the speech of the Jepara Regent read by the Regent’s Expert Staff for Economy and Finance, Farikhah Elida, appreciation was expressed to the Environmental Agency, Forkopimda ranks, academics, environmental activists, and private parties who have supported the program through their CSR initiatives. Thanks were also conveyed to the people of Somosari Village for their participation in preserving nature on the slopes of Muria.

“To all elements of society, let us make planting a lifestyle. Don’t just be enthusiastic when planting, but be even more enthusiastic in maintaining them,” she said.

Furthermore, it was stated that the plants being planted are not only non-productive trees but also fruit trees that have economic value. This is expected to provide direct benefits to the communities who maintain them.

“So that those who care for them can gain economic value. Thus, the benefits are not only for the environment but also for the community,” she added.

Through the Jepara Menanam Program, the Jepara Regency Government reaffirms its commitment to preserving the environment while sustainably improving community welfare.