A coastline is more than just the boundary between land and sea. For coastal communities, it is a source of livelihood, a place to live, and a natural shield against waves and strong sea winds. Yet across many coastal regions of Indonesia, ongoing coastal erosion has gradually worn away shorelines, destroyed protective vegetation, and increased communities’ vulnerability to climate change. 

 

Coastal erosion along northern Java’s shoreline has become an increasing environmental concern, with shoreline retreat reaching 1–3 meters per year in several areas along the coast. As erosion gradually removes coastal vegetation, many become more exposed to strong winds, waves, and further land degradation. Restoring coastal vegetation has therefore become an important strategy to strengthen natural coastal defenses.  

 

In addition to mangroves, species such as sea pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) and tropical almond (Terminalia catappa), which are well adapted to sandy coastal environments, help stabilize shorelines through their root systems while their canopies act as natural windbreaks. As these trees mature, they contribute to protecting coastal landscapes, improving environmental quality, and enhancing the resilience of nearby communities. 

 

Recognizing these challenges, PT Pelayaran Bahtera Adiguna (BAG) has taken action. As a shipping company whose operations are closely connected to coastal environments, BAG is committed to protecting coastal ecosystems as part of its responsibility to both people and nature through tree planting.  

 

 

As part of its commitment, in collaboration with Trees4Trees, BAG recently planted 1,000 coastal trees consisting of sea pine and tropical almond trees at Beringin Beach. It located in Bumiharjo Village, Keling District, Jepara Regency in Central Java.  

 

Khoirum Minan, Project Manager at Trees4Trees, explained that the selected tree species were chosen based on their suitability for coastal conditions. According to him, much of Beringin Beach is characterized by open, barren land due to years of coastal erosion. Coconut trees that once lined up the shoreline have largely disappeared, leaving only a few scattered stands.  

 

“Coastal erosion has swept the original vegetation. We selected those two species as they are highly adapted to this coastal environment.” Minan explained. 

 

He hopes that Trees4Trees’ two-year post-planting commitment, with regular monitoring and maintenance, will help the trees become established and form a protective coastal green barrier. 

 

 

Recognizing that vessel operations inevitably rely on fuel consumption and generate greenhouse gas emissions, the BAG sees tree planting as a tangible way to contribute to climate change mitigation while strengthening the resilience of coastal ecosystems. 

 

Eko Hidayat, Certification, Licensing, and Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) Manager at PT Pelayaran Bahtera Adiguna, explained that the tree-planting initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to environmental protection and the well-being of communities living around its operational areas. 

 

“As a shipping company, we have a significant responsibility to the environment. This initiative is part of our responsibility, and we hope it will not end in Bumiharjo Village but continue to expand to other locations together,” he said.  

 

He also emphasized that the success of the program should not be measured solely by the number of trees planted, but by how they survive and thrive. “One thousand trees are just a number. We hope every tree we planted will survive and grow into healthier ecosystems that bring comfort, beauty, and lasting benefits to surrounding communities and ecosystems,” he added. 

 

 

For the local community in Bumiharjo Village, coastal vegetation provides far more than ecological value. It also protects their homes and livelihoods. Emraf Yunarto, the North Jepara Fishermen Forum leader, explained that the village is surrounded by conservation forests and protected areas that have long served as natural barriers against strong coastal winds. 

 

“When this area was deforested, strong winds could easily reach the village and damage homes and farmland. Now that the vegetation has started to recover, the wind is no longer able to pass directly into our agricultural fields and settlements,” Emraf explained. 

 

Together with the BAG team and Trees4Trees, local communities are involved in planting trees as part of a collaborative effort to restore the local environment. 

 

He believes that planting additional sea pine and tropical almond trees along Beringin Beach will further strengthen the coastline’s natural defenses and the well-being of surrounding coastal communities. As the trees mature, their roots stabilize the shoreline, canopies reduce coastal wind force, and they create habitats supporting coastal biodiversity. 

 

Over time, these growing green barriers will help protect the coast while delivering lasting environmental and social benefits. Through the collaboration between PT Pelayaran Bahtera Adiguna, Trees4Trees, and the local community of Bumiharjo Village, this initiative is helping restore healthier, more resilient coastlines. For PT Pelayaran Bahtera Adiguna, protecting coastlines today is an investment in the future, helping safeguard the lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems that coastal communities depend on.