Friday, 04 September 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - Deli Serdang Regent dr. H. Asri Ludin Tambunan planted an avocado tree on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Deli Serdang District Library grounds. The tree planting was part of an initiative to replace flower arrangements traditionally presented for the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence with donations of tree seedlings that can be planted and jointly cared for.
The initiative involved the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), regional government agencies and offices (OPD), as well as community organizations (Ormas). Together, they donated 140 tree seedlings and 40 flowers to support greening efforts at several locations across Deli Serdang Regency.
The Deli Serdang Regent said the initiative was an invitation to all stakeholders to commemorate the anniversary of independence through activities that would provide long-term benefits to both the community and the environment.
"For this year's Independence Day, we are no longer using flower arrangements. We invite all stakeholders to replace them with plants and seedlings that can be planted and cared for, so that their benefits can be felt over the long term," he said on the sidelines of the tree-planting activity.
Asri Ludin said replacing flower arrangements with plant seedlings was a simple step toward linking Independence Day celebrations with concrete environmental action. At the same time, he said, the initiative could help strengthen environmental awareness among the public.
Flower arrangements have traditionally been a common feature of various celebrations and government events. However, their usefulness is generally short-lived. For this reason, the Deli Serdang Regency Government is promoting a more sustainable way of commemorating the occasion by focusing on planting and subsequently caring for trees and other plants.
"While a flower arrangement lasts only a few days, a tree can grow and provide benefits for a long time. That is exactly what we want to achieve: for the celebration of independence to also contribute to the environment," he said.
The planting of the avocado tree at the Deli Serdang District Library is a concrete implementation of the initiative. The local government is calling on various groups not only to donate seedlings but also to take responsibility for caring for the plants after they have been planted.
Of the 140 tree seedlings collected, 27 were planted at the Deli Serdang District Library grounds. The activity marked the first step in a greening program that will continue at several other locations.
The remaining 113 seedlings are scheduled to be planted simultaneously on Friday, August 21, 2026, as part of the "Jumat Bersih" (Clean Friday) activity. The Deli Serdang Regency Government plans to carry out the plantings in the Cadika Lubuk Pakam area, at the Pagar Merbau District Head's Office, at Percut Town Square, and at the Deli Serdang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) office.
The distribution of planting locations demonstrates the regional government's effort to broaden the impact of the greening initiative. The donated seedlings are not intended merely to serve as symbols of Independence Day. Instead, they will be planted at various public locations so they can grow and provide benefits to the surrounding environment.
In addition to the 140 tree seedlings, the participating groups also donated 40 flowers. The plants and flowers are expected to enhance the appearance of the surrounding areas while reinforcing the message that Independence Day celebrations can be linked to a commitment to environmental preservation.
Asri Ludin emphasized that the initiative must not end once the seedlings are planted. He urged all stakeholders to work together to protect and care for the newly planted trees so they can grow properly.
In his view, the success of a greening initiative depends not only on the number of seedlings planted but also on consistent maintenance. Plants require attention and care to develop properly and provide long-term benefits.
"The most important thing is not only planting, but also caring for the trees. Let us turn this into a joint movement to make Deli Serdang greener and more livable," he appealed.
The initiative to replace flower arrangements with donations of tree seedlings is one of the ways the Deli Serdang Regency Government is commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's independence. Through the program, the government is encouraging Forkopimda, regional government agencies and offices, community organizations, and the public to turn Independence Day greetings into activities with tangible and lasting impacts.
The tree planting is also part of efforts to create a greener environment in various areas of Deli Serdang. If residents and all levels of government consistently care for the planted trees, the seedlings are expected to become part of a greener and more beautiful environment while providing benefits for future generations.
The 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence is therefore being commemorated not only through ceremonies but also through concrete greening efforts that can be maintained and enjoyed over the long term. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
/home/u7391150/public_html/indatanews.com/theme/function.php on line 28
