Mataram, University of Mataram – In commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the University of Mataram (Unram), the academic community planted 1,500 mangrove seedlings in Cemare Village, Lembar District, West Lombok Regency, on Saturday (25/10). This activity is a tangible manifestation of concern for environmental conservation and a form of community service.

The Chair of the Unram Anniversary Committee, Dr. Moh. Taqiudin, S.Pt., M.Si., said in his speech that the mangrove planting activity was part of a series of events for this year’s anniversary, which carried the theme “Impact on the Country, Food Sovereignty, Strong Generation, Great Nation”.

“This activity is a tangible manifestation of the theme of the 63rd Anniversary of University of Mataram. Previously, various social activities had been carried out, such as free medical treatment and distribution of gifts to the surrounding community. We hope that this activity will run well and benefit the community and the environment,” he said.

The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Unram, Prof. Dr. Sitti Hilyana, M.Si., who in her speech expressed her appreciation to the entire committee and the village for their support for this activity. She emphasised that mangrove rehabilitation is not only an effort to preserve the environment, but also a long-term investment for the coastal ecosystem and the surrounding community.

“Through this mangrove rehabilitation programme, we hope to restore the population of marine life under the mangrove canopy. Mangroves are habitats with high nutritional content and a healthy source of protein. In addition, mangroves’ ability to absorb carbon reaches more than 300 per cent compared to homogeneous and heterogeneous forests, so their role is vital in maintaining the balance of the climate and coastal ecosystems,” she said.

In addition to planting 1,500 mangrove seedlings, this activity was followed by free health checks for the people of Cemare Village, conducted by students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) at Unram. Not only that, Unram also distributed social assistance in the form of food packages and medical equipment to residents in need.

Through this activity, Unram reaffirmed its commitment to remain present in the community, bringing tangible benefits in both environmental and social spheres, as a concrete manifestation of the motto “Making an Impact for the Nation, Food Sovereignty, Strong Generations, a Great Nation”.