In commemoration of World Mangrove Day 2025, the Indonesian Coastal Conservation Foundation (YAKOPI), in collaboration with the Batu Bara District Government, hosted the inaugural Mangrove Culture Festival at Pantai Sejarah, Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, on July 19–20, 2025. This festival marks the first of its kind, designed to honor coastal culture and reinforce collective commitment to the preservation of mangrove ecosystems. The event goes beyond ceremonial celebration, serving as a real expression of environmental concern, cultural pride, and community empowerment.

The festival featured a diverse range of activities, including a formal opening ceremony led by Batu Bara Regent Mr. H. Baharuddin Siagian, S.H., M.Si and Vice Regent Mr. Syafrizal, S.E., M.AP, a Fun Walk and Cultural Parade, a joint mangrove planting at the eco-tourism site, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YAKOPI and the Batu Bara Government. The event also included a vibrant cultural performance stage and an exhibition of MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) products showcasing local economic potential as a pathway toward sustainable livelihoods.

The festival was attended by numerous distinguished guests and stakeholders from various sectors, including the Board of Trustees of YAKOPI, Prof. Ir. Zulkifli Nasution, M.Sc., Ph.D, and representatives from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Other notable attendees included Chairman of the Batu Bara Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Mr. M. Safi’i, Batu Bara Police Chief AKBP Taufiq Hidayat Thayeb, S.H., S.I.K., M.M., and the Head of the Batu Bara District Attorney’s Office.

From the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), the event was graced by representatives of Lantamal I Belawan, including Asrena Danlantamal I, Lt. Col. (P) Hendra Dwinanto, S.H., M.Tr.Opsla, and Commander of the Tanjung Balai Naval Base. Additionally, heads of regional government agencies (OPD), sub-district heads, village heads, military commanders, judges, the BNN (National Narcotics Board), and a full representation of Batu Bara district officials were also present.

Representatives from traditional councils, religious leaders, youth leaders, community figures, and residents from various parts of Batu Bara enthusiastically participated. The event was also supported by media partners, MSME entrepreneurs, local artists and cultural figures, volunteers, and the organizing committee whose contributions made the event a success.

The Mangrove Culture Festival carried an essential message of environmental and cultural conservation. Its goal was not only to entertain but to educate and inspire society to understand the vital role of mangrove ecosystems as natural barriers protecting coastlines from wave erosion, abrasion, and climate change impacts.

In his remarks, Regent Baharuddin Siagian expressed his gratitude to the organizing team, participants, and the broader community. “I am thrilled to see thousands of people come to Pantai Sejarah to celebrate this occasion,” he stated enthusiastically.

He emphasized that the main objective of the festival is to promote the beauty of local nature and culture while raising awareness about the importance of preserving mangrove forests. “Beyond exploring traditional culture in Batu Bara, our priority is to protect the mangrove forests in Pantai Sejarah and other coastal areas,” he asserted.

In addition to its environmental focus, the festival celebrated coastal Malay culture, rich in heritage and tradition. This was reflected through activities such as zapin parades, traditional fashion showcases, creative competitions, workshops, and performing arts, all embodying the local cultural identity.

The event also served as a strategic platform for coastal MSMEs to showcase their products. Through the exhibition, entrepreneurs were able to expand their market networks and increase family income, contributing to a resilient and independent coastal economy.

More than 10,000 participants enlivened the festival, including students, MSMEs, village and district governments, public service agencies, and the general public. Their enthusiastic participation demonstrated that mangrove conservation is not a burden—but a source of pride. The high level of public engagement reflects the growing environmental awareness, particularly in coastal communities.

“This marks YAKOPI’s return to Batu Bara to collaborate with the local government through the Mangrove Culture Festival,” said Mr. Eling Tuhono. “Through this festival, we are integrating restoration efforts with local coastal culture, aiming ultimately to build a prosperous and sustainable community.”

The Mangrove Culture Festival 2025 is expected to become a catalyst for broader environmental action and cultural revitalization. With wide community participation and support from multiple sectors, this event emphasizes that protecting mangrove ecosystems is a shared responsibility and a legacy to be proud of. It is hoped that the festival will become an annual tradition, continuing to raise environmental awareness, preserve coastal Malay culture, and strengthen the local economy through the empowerment of small enterprises.