This year marks 18 years of Trees4Trees’ journey of planting trees alongside partners, stakeholders, and local communities to create lasting benefits for both people and nature. Throughout this journey, Trees4Trees’ work has gone beyond planting trees – it has restored landscapes across entire watersheds, from upstream to downstream, addressing environmental challenges while supporting local livelihoods.

Tomi Bustomi, Trees4Trees West Java Regional Manager, said that since its founding, Trees4Trees has planted more than 17 million trees, demonstrating its long-term commitment to environmental restoration and community empowerment across Indonesia, particularly in Java and Bali. “Together with more than 90,000 farmer partners, we have helped restore nearly 15,000 hectares of degraded land across Indonesia to this day,” he said. 

Planting 1800 Trees Together 

As part of the anniversary celebration, Trees4Trees invited stakeholders from across West Java to join a tree-planting event in mid-June at the Trees4Trees nursery in Cipongkor, West Bandung – one of three nurseries operated by Trees4Trees to produce high-quality seedlings. 

 

Together with stakeholders and local communities, the Trees4Trees team planted a total of 1,800 trees. Of these, 180 trees were planted around the nursery, while the remaining 1,620 trees were planted across the Citarum Watershed.

According to Tomi, the event brought together representatives from village and district governments, as well as the West Java Forestry Agency, all of whom play an important role in supporting Trees4Trees’ restoration efforts. 

 

“Today, Trees4Trees celebrates its 18th anniversary through meaningful activities, including planting trees together with our stakeholders. Their support—from government agencies to local communities—has been essential to the success of our tree-planting program,” Tomi said.  

 

Deni Sutisna, a representative of Cintaasih Village, said the event provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders at different levels and sectors to connect and strengthen collaboration. “This anniversary celebration is an excellent initiative. It brings together the government, Trees4Trees, local communities, and farmers involved in the program, creating stronger partnerships for environmental restoration,” Deni said.

Celebrating Local Culture 

Beyond tree planting, the anniversary also featured cultural performances by local communities, highlighting the close connection between environmental restoration and local wisdom. 

“We want to showcase the village’s cultural heritage as a reflection of how environmental restoration is closely connected with local communities,” Tomi added. 

Alongside a traditional Jaipong dance and traditional Sundanese music, the celebration also featured Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art inspired by nature.  

“Many Pencak Silat movements are inspired by nature, especially the movements of animals,” said Asep Suhendar, a local community member and Pencak Silat performer. “Forest is also a place where we practice. So, for us, Pencak Silat and nature have always been closely connected.” 

A Commitment in Making Lasting Impact 

From upstream to downstream, Trees4Trees plants trees across a wide range of landscapes. In mountainous areas, tree planting helps protect forests, conserve water sources, reduce soil erosion, and strengthen ecosystems. Downstream, restoration efforts focus on urban, industrial, and coastal landscapes while supporting local livelihoods and communities. 

 

“Throughout Trees4Trees’ 18-year journey, we have remained committed to environmental restoration. Through these efforts, we aim to increase tree cover and help create healthier, more resilient landscapes across Indonesia,” Tomi emphasized. 

 

Representing the West Java Forestry Service, Andi Mansur attended the anniversary celebration and expressed his appreciation for Trees4Trees’ 18 years of dedication. Using the Sundanese proverb “Leuweung hejo, masyarakat ngejo”—meaning “When forests thrive, communities prosper”—Andi highlighted the importance of long-term environmental restoration. 

 

“Through its consistent, long-term commitment to environmental conservation, forest and land rehabilitation, and community empowerment, Trees4Trees has made a meaningful contribution to both people and nature,” Andi said.  

 

Hilman Suherlan, Head of Cipongkor District, also expressed his hope that the tree-planting program will continue to benefit both the environment and surrounding communities, including farmers who receive free seedlings and local residents employed in tree planting and nursery operations. 

 

“Happy anniversary to Trees4Trees. May it continue to grow and bring even greater benefits to the environment and the people in the years ahead, particularly in West Bandung Regency,” Hilman said. 

 

Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita & Muhammad Dimas