UNDIP, Semarang (February 15) – The Special Purpose Forest Area of Universitas Diponegoro (Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus Universitas Diponegoro / KHDTK UNDIP), in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the Senior Forestry High School (Ikatan Alumni Sekolah Kehutanan Menengah Atas / IKA SKMA), held a joint tree-planting event on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The event took place at KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP, Penggaron District, Semarang Regency, where a total of 2,000 tree seedlings were planted.
Chairman of IKA SKMA Regional Board Jawa Tengah, Didi Kuntoro, stated that various types of trees, including multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) such as durian, bitter bean, coffee, breadfruit, and mango, were planted. MPTS trees offer dual benefits, serving both as timber sources and producers of fruit and flowers. Additionally, rare species such as namnam and sandalwood were also planted.
“We hope this tree-planting initiative will support research, development, and education at KHDTK UNDIP. Our commitment extends beyond planting; we will also ensure proper maintenance so that these trees can bring long-term benefits to the surrounding environment,” said Didi.
Head of the Watershed Management and Natural Resource Conservation Division of the Jawa Tengah Provincial Environmental and Forestry Office, Soegiharto, S.Hut., M.P., expressed appreciation for the initiative at KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP. “On behalf of the Jawa Tengah Provincial Government, we thank you for today’s tree-planting event. KHDTK UNDIP is one of the fastest-growing KHDTKs, and this achievement deserves recognition,” he stated.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Sri Puryono K.S., M.P., Head of KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP, explained that the initiative also supports UNDIP’s ranking in the UI GreenMetric. “As we know, UNDIP has successfully secured the second position in UI GreenMetric for five consecutive years. Moving forward, we aim for the top spot, one of our strategies being intensified reforestation efforts like this,” he explained.
Prof. Sri Puryono also highlighted the significance of tree planting in climate change mitigation. “This initiative is a concrete step taken by KHDTK, with support from forestry institutions across Jawa Tengah, to help mitigate the impacts of climate change that affect various sectors,” he added.
Quoting this year’s Earth Day theme, ‘Our Strength, Our Planet,’ Prof. Sri Puryono emphasized the importance of sustainability in reforestation efforts. “Planting trees is a small investment for a greater future. I hope this collaboration continues beyond just planting—extending into maintenance—as part of our commitment to saving the planet,” he remarked.
The event saw participation from various organizations, including the Jawa Tengah Environmental and Forestry Office, Perum Perhutani, the Ministry of Forestry’s Technical Implementation Unit (UPT), the Jawa Tengah Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Jawa Tengah Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and local communities around KHDTK Wanadipa UNDIP. This reforestation spirit is expected to persist, not only through tree planting but also through continuous care and tangible actions to preserve the environment. (Hng-Public Relations)
