Balancia Expands Mangrove Planting Tenfold, Urges Corporations to Act
As floods continue to recur and public debate often stalls over assigning blame, Balancia Ship Agency has chosen to take concrete action. Through the Balancia Care program, Balancia carried out mangrove planting on 30 December 2025 along the southern coast of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. What was initially planned as the planting of 2,000 mangroves expanded on the ground into 10,000 mangroves, reflecting an immediate response to the growing urgency of environmental restoration.
The activity was conducted in the aftermath of major floods that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. For Balancia, these disasters were not merely tragic news events, but a clear signal that ecosystem degradation from upstream to downstream has been left unchecked for far too long. As forests inland continue to be cleared and natural absorption areas weaken, the resulting pressure flows downstream, forcing coastal areas to serve as the final line of defense.
“Initially, we planned to plant 2,000 mangroves. However, during implementation, we decided to expand the scale to 10,000 as a stronger commitment to environmental recovery. This is not about numbers, but about recognizing that the environmental crisis cannot be addressed halfway,” said Muhammad Candra Rambe, CEO of Balancia Ship Agency.
The mangrove planting was carried out in collaboration with Pemuda Peduli Yogyakarta as part of efforts to restore ecosystems that have been eroded for years by land conversion and uncontrolled exploitation. Balancia emphasized that this activity was not intended as a ceremonial gesture, but as a concrete step demonstrating that decisive action can be taken without waiting for political momentum or public attention.
As a member of BIMCO and FONASBA, two leading international maritime associations, Balancia positions sustainability as an integral part of its industry responsibility. This membership reflects Balancia’s commitment to promoting sustainable development practices in support of a more responsible future for the maritime industry.
“We talk about sustainability far too often, but translate it into real action far too rarely. Nature does not need narratives, it needs to be restored,” Candra stressed.
Mangroves were selected due to their critical ecological role. This ecosystem has proven effective in preventing coastal erosion, reducing wave energy, lowering flood risks, preserving biodiversity, and absorbing significant amounts of carbon. When damage inland is left unaddressed, coastal areas and mangroves become the final buffer bearing the consequences.
Through this initiative, Balancia openly encourages private companies, particularly those operating in the maritime, energy, and natural resource–based industries, to take more tangible roles in environmental recovery.
“It is not about who speaks the loudest about sustainability, but who is truly willing to step into the field and take action. If a plan can turn into 10,000 trees in a single day, commitments should also be realized in concrete terms,” Candra said.
About Balancia Ship Agency
Balancia Ship Agency is a shipping agency company that integrates maritime operations with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. As a member of BIMCO and FONASBA, Balancia promotes concrete conservation actions through the Balancia Care program as part of the industry’s responsibility toward ecosystems and public safety.
