BELAWAN, September 23, 2025 – The Indonesian Coastal Conservation Foundation (YAKOPI) and Naval Regional Command I (Kodaeral I) have agreed to reinforce their partnership in safeguarding mangrove ecosystems while enhancing the welfare of coastal communities. The meeting took place at the Recreation Hall of Kodaeral I Headquarters, Jalan Serma Hanafiah No. 01, Belawan, North Sumatra, on Tuesday (23/9).

The session was chaired by the Commander of Kodaeral I, Rear Admiral TNI Deny Septiana, S.I.P., M.A.P., who welcomed the courtesy visit and received a presentation on YAKOPI’s strategic programs from the Foundation’s Director, Eling Tuhono, S.Pd., M.Si. Also present on behalf of Kodaeral I were Deputy Commander Colonel (Mar) Ali Bahar Saragih, Assistant for Territorial Affairs Lt. Col. (Mar) Farrick, Head of Information Systems Lt. Col. James Sagala, Head of Facilities and Infrastructure Lt. Col. Tulus Sibarani, and the Head of Legal Affairs represented by Capt. Valri. From YAKOPI, the delegation included Board Advisor Prof. Zulkifli Nasution, M.Sc., Ph.D., alongside senior managers and coordinators: Muhammad Habib (Project Manager Aceh–North Sumatra), Herlin Ribka Hutabarat (Project Manager Riau–Riau Islands), Rifqi Ulfatun Nikmah, S.Si (Manager of External Communication & Reporting), Muhammad Zaid Mukshit (Publication Coordinator), and Tia Angraini (Internal Audit & Reporting Coordinator).

During the presentation, YAKOPI highlighted tangible achievements, ranging from mangrove restoration programs and community engagement initiatives to the development of coastal community-based products and regular Mangrove Patrol activities. One flagship product, Nypah Sugar, drew particular attention from the Commander, who recognized its strong potential as a leading symbol of coastal empowerment.

“Kodaeral I fully supports these strategic measures to protect coastal ecosystems, especially through efforts to safeguard mangroves from illegal logging practices. This collaboration is expected not only to accelerate environmental conservation but also to improve the welfare of coastal communities. As a follow-up, the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) will be held in October to strengthen our joint commitment in preserving mangroves,” emphasized Rear Admiral TNI Deny Septiana, S.I.P., M.A.P.

Beyond ecological restoration and community empowerment, the partnership also aims to bolster coastal security, in line with the Indonesian Navy’s mission to safeguard marine resources and biodiversity for the sustainable future of Indonesia’s seas.