Mount Salak in Bogor, part of the Halimun-Salak National Park in West Java, serves as a key water catchment area, a significant carbon sink, and a habitat for at least 200 species of flora and fauna. This includes the Javan hawk eagle, a bird of prey that is threatened by extinction. Spanning over 113,000 hectares of conservation land, Mount Salak’s ecosystem not only protects the largest lowland rainforest in the region and supports biodiversity but also provides for communities in the surrounding area.
However, heavy rainfall on the mountain can make its slopes highly susceptible to erosion, which can cause disastrous landslides and flooding. The surrounding Tamansari District is one of Mount Salak’s buffer areas most affected and is especially at risk during the rainy season. While the landscape may appear green at first glance, several open areas in and around the villages lack tree cover, leaving them vulnerable to environmental degradation.
To help local communities address these issues and mitigate future impacts, and as part of their ongoing corporate sustainability program. Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia teamed up with Trees4Treesto implement a tree-planting project in the region.
Erosion Control and Improved Carbon Sequestration
These actions are both timely and sorely needed. Just last year, Tamansari District was hit by a major landslide and flash flood. This followed similar disasters in 2021 and 2023, which seriously threatened the lives of villagers and uprooted local livelihoods.
In response, Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia has committed to planting 2,000 trees around Tamansari Village in Tamansari District. This project aims to increase tree cover and reduce the risk of future landslides by controlling the erosion that can trigger potentially deadly disasters.
“We chose the slopes of Mount Salak, part of the Citiis River watershed, due to their critical condition,” explains Adi Gani, Trees4Trees’ Project Manager, noting that several degraded open lands need to be restored. “We hope the trees we have planted will help reduce disaster risks, improve water catchment, and benefit local communities,” he says.
Another major benefit of this program is its support for Mount Salak’s environmental role as a major carbon sink, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation in line with Sumitomo Group’s corporate sustainability goals.
“We have a goal to reduce CO₂ emissions,” says Koji Imakita, President Director of Sumiden Serasi Wire Product, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia, who participated as a tree-planting volunteer. “While we recognize that the number of trees we have planted is relatively small, this is a significant step forward in our mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Plant a Planet: Seeding a More Sustainable Future
Various employees of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia and its subsidiaries joined together to volunteer in tree-planting activities coordinated by Trees4Trees. The program, themed ‘Plant a Planet’, demonstrates the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability as part of its corporate responsibility commitments.
“Previously, we planted mangroves, and now we’re expanding to tree planting in a different location,” said Mulyadi, a volunteer and HR Community Representative from one of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia’s subsidiaries. “We hope this initiative will make positive impacts, because a healthy planet is the greatest legacy we can leave behind for future generations.”
Mario Eko Cumentas is the Chairperson of Sumitomo Electric Group Indonesia Area Committee. He confirmed that the current initiative forms part of the company’s global commitment to environmental preservation and its support for local communities. “Our main goal is to contribute to environmental sustainability so that nature, in turn, continues to support life for future generations,” said Mario. “This includes local communities living in the vicinity,” he added.
Gohoyoshi: A Commitment to Positive Community Impact
As a company with Japanese roots, Sumitomo Group upholds a core principle of Gohoyoshi, also known as the ‘five-way win’ approach, which represents the company’s commitment to create positive outcomes for all stakeholders. This includes employees, suppliers, customers, stockholders, and socially vulnerable communities. A key aspect of this tree-planting initiative is the central role of local communities.
“This tree-planting initiative is very important to us,” explains Koji Imakita. “At Sumitomo Group Indonesia, we follow Gohoyoshi, or the Five-Way Win, as our business philosophy, which prioritizes community well-being. And that’s why we strive to contribute as much as we can to the local communities around us.”
Guided by the spirit of Gohoyoshi, the company’s sustainability programs not only aim to benefit stakeholders, including local communities, but also to support a healthier environment. This, in turn, supports long-term success and business sustainability. Together with Trees4Trees, Sumitomo Group is helping turn these commitments into tangible impacts for people and planet.
Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Chris Alexander. Photos: Yulianisa Dessenita
