Planting Over 1,000 Mangroves, Prodia Fulfills ESG Commitment to Reducing Air Pollution

BEKASI, JUNE 22, 2023 - Environmental issues are currently a major concern among Indonesians, especially in large cities. Air pollution levels are alarming and could even have more serious health impacts if not addressed promptly. Based on real-time data from the United Nations for Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Environment Monitoring portal, almost all regions in Indonesia have an air quality index exceeding the WHO threshold of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, with the highest concentrations found on the islands of Java and Sumatra. This problem can further reduce people's health and life expectancy in the long term. Therefore, synergy between the government, the public, and businesses is needed to reduce air pollution and prevent its spread.

Starting from the awareness of the importance of preserving the earth we inhabit, and as a form of contribution to preserving the environment and reducing the negative impacts of air pollution, PT Prodia Widyahusada Tbk (stock code: PRDA) together with the Bekasi Regency government held a mangrove seedling planting activity in the Muara Tawar Bekasi Mangrove Restoration and Learning Center (PRPM) area, West Java on Thursday (22/6). This mangrove planting activity is a form of Prodia's commitment to optimizing the implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance aspects or commonly known as ESG. In addition, the mangrove planting activity is a real action of the Company that not only maintains environmental sustainability but also provides a social impact for the surrounding community.

The planting of over 1,000 mangrove seedlings was attended by Dewi Muliaty, President Director of Prodia, Ida Zuraida, Director of Human Capital & General Affairs of Prodia, Dani Ramdan, Regent of Bekasi Regency, Imam Santoso, Head of the Bekasi Regency Fisheries Office, along with other regional officials and volunteers who attended and participated in the event.

Dewi Muliaty expressed her appreciation to all parties who participated in Prodia's environmental sustainability efforts. "This activity demonstrates that good health is not only supported by internal factors but also by the quality of the surrounding environment. The planting of over 1,000 mangroves demonstrates our dedication to maintaining the environmental quality of the surrounding community. We are optimistic that these mangrove seedlings will grow well and provide economic and social benefits to the community surrounding the Muara Tawar PRPM area, as well as mitigating the negative impacts of the climate change crisis and air pollution," Dewi said.

According to the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency, mangrove trees have the potential to absorb and store carbon four to five times more than land. Mangroves can sequester approximately 1,000 tC/ha (tons of carbon per hectare), compared to the average land carbon uptake of only around 300 tC/ha. Despite their numerous functions and significant benefits in preventing air pollution, mangrove tree empowerment has yet to receive optimal attention from most levels of society and stakeholders. Through this initiative, Prodia has the opportunity to actively contribute to efforts to support the government and community in reducing air pollution levels.

"Prodia has donated over 1,000 mangrove seedlings to PPI PALJAYA for routine cultivation and management. Mangrove planting was chosen for Prodia's CSR program because it is a plant widely utilized by coastal communities, even commercially. The mangrove seedlings can be used as natural embankments, ecotourism areas, green areas that absorb CO2, improve underwater ecosystems, and provide income for local communities through processing mangrove fruit. All mangrove seedlings will be allocated to three locations designated as Prodia's mangrove seedling planting areas," said Marina Amalia, Corporate Secretary of the Company.

In addition to mangrove planting, Prodia is also actively involved in other activities focused on environmental, social, and community health empowerment, including coral reef planting in Nusa Penida in collaboration with local NGOs, avocado tree planting, and other activities. This CSR program serves as a foundation for Prodia to further strengthen its commitment to ESG compliance. In the future, this activity is expected to produce good synergy between Prodia personnel, the local community, and the local government to help improve community welfare and maintain healthy living while always preserving the environment.