On June 23, 2025, Yayasan Konservasi Pesisir Indonesia (YAKOPI) signed a desk-to-desk Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Village and Disadvantaged Regions of Indonesia. The MoU started with the MoU signing from the director of YAKOPI then followed up with the signing from the Secretary General of the Ministry of Village and Disadvantaged Regions of Indonesia. This partnership represents a strategic initiative to strengthen synergies in accelerating development in coastal and disadvantaged areas through integrated efforts in environmental conservation and community empowerment.

YAKOPI is widely recognized for its commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems, particularly through mangrove restoration initiatives. YAKOPI actively engages coastal communities by establishing village-based groups that participate directly in the sustainable planting of mangrove trees. These efforts not only support environmental protection but also safeguard coastal villages against shoreline erosion and the impact of climate change.

In addition to mangrove planting, YAKOPI also implements community-based economic empowerment programs that focus on developing value-added products from local resources. Through training, assisting, and capacity-building initiatives, coastal residents are equipped with the skills to transform local potential into marketable products. These activities help to create alternative sources of income, promote economic self-sufficiency at the village level, improve household welfare, and generate new job opportunities, particularly for women and youth in coastal communities.

During the event, representatives from the ministry expressed their deep appreciation for YAKOPI’s consistent support in advancing rural development through environmental and community-driven approaches. Both parties also emphasized its commitment to expand and strengthen this collaboration, so its benefits can be more broadly felt across coastal areas.Through this close partnership between the government and YAKOPI, it is expected that an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development ecosystem will emerge. The collaboration not only enhances the socio-economic resilience of Indonesia’s coastal communities but also ensures the preservation of natural ecosystems for future generations.

As a follow-up to the MoU, both parties also agreed to sign a Cooperation Agreement (PKS), which was formalized on July 25, 2025. This agreement serves as the foundation for implementing concrete programs designed collaboratively, participatively, and rooted in local potential to advance inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in Indonesia’s coastal regions.