Wednesday, 16 September 2026
BATU BARA | INDATANEWS.COM - The Yayasan Naluri Fauna Indonesia (NAFAS), in collaboration with the North Sumatra Provincial Association of Indonesian Diving Sports (POSSI) and Regional Group I of the Association of Nature Lovers of Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions throughout Indonesia (Mapala PTMSI I), held the 2026 National Defense Action in Batu Bara Regency, North Sumatra, on August 16 and 17, 2026.
The event was part of celebrations marking National Maritime Day, World Mangrove Day, and the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The organizers combined national solidarity, environmental education, and concrete conservation efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Director of Yayasan Naluri Fauna Indonesia, Badar Johan, said the 2026 National Defense Action carried the theme, "Strengthening a Sustainable Blue Economy to Protect Sovereignty over Indonesia's Marine Biodiversity."
In his view, the theme demonstrates that national defense is not exclusively associated with military or state defense. It can also be realized through environmental awareness, natural resource protection, and concrete efforts to preserve Indonesia's biodiversity.
The 2026 National Defense Action series began on July 30, 2026, with an online seminar. Through the Zoom platform, the organizers created a forum for education and knowledge-sharing on the blue economy, the protection of coastal and marine areas, and the sustainable empowerment of local communities.
A representative of the Batu Bara regent opened the seminar. This was followed by a presentation from a representative of the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial National Unity and Political Agency, who addressed environmental issues from a national defense perspective. Mangrove activist Wibi Nugraha also presented measures for mangrove protection and conservation.
In addition, two speakers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries took part in the seminar. They discussed the blue economy, sovereignty, and coral reefs. The North Sumatra Provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency presented the concept of EcoEdu Tourism.
YAKOPI also delivered material on mangrove conservation, while Yayasan Fifan Laut Nusantara discussed sustainable financing models for marine area protection. Recyclo Goods presented concepts for sustainable waste management. Feni Rahmadiani of YAKOPI moderated the discussion.
"Through this seminar, participants are expected to develop a stronger understanding of the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems while promoting a sustainable blue economy to improve community welfare and preserve Indonesia's biodiversity," he said.
Badar Johan emphasized that the series of activities did not end with the seminar. The organizers also invited participants and local mangrove farming groups to plant mangrove seedlings and conduct joint beach cleanups.
Both activities represent concrete steps toward strengthening coastal ecosystems and raising public awareness of the impact of pollution. Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastlines, reducing erosion, providing habitats for numerous animal and plant species, and storing carbon.
Mangrove planting also supports the development of Blue Carbon and a sustainable blue economy. The organizers hope the activities will demonstrate to communities that protecting and keeping the seas clean must begin with changes in human behavior on land.
Alongside the conservation activities, participants in the 2026 National Defense Action raised Indonesia's red-and-white flag at sea. The action became a symbol of national awareness and solidarity with the Republic of Indonesia.
Badar Johan explained that raising the flag in the marine area conveyed the message that the sea is an essential part of Indonesia's sovereignty and must be protected collectively. The action linked the spirit of independence with a commitment to environmental preservation, particularly the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.
The moment also demonstrated that the spirit of national defense can take various forms through community engagement. Protecting the sea, preserving habitats for marine organisms, reducing pollution, and conserving natural resources are part of the public's responsibility to safeguard Indonesia's natural wealth.
Participants also carried out coral reef transplantation as part of efforts to restore marine ecosystems. The organizers viewed the initiative as a concrete form of conservation that can contribute to the recovery of damaged coral reefs while strengthening public understanding of the importance of protecting marine areas.
Coral reefs have important ecological and economic functions for both marine life and coastal communities. These ecosystems provide habitats for numerous marine organisms while also supporting the livelihoods of people who depend on coastal resources.
"The transplantation is intended to contribute to ecosystem restoration while strengthening public understanding of the importance of protecting marine areas," Badar Johan said.
Through the 2026 National Defense Action series, NAFAS, POSSI North Sumatra, and Mapala PTMSI I are encouraging public participation in marine environmental protection. At the same time, the initiative seeks to strengthen awareness that the country's natural resources are an integral part of national sovereignty.
The event also served as a platform for cooperation among environmental organizations, communities, students, government agencies, coastal residents, and other stakeholders committed to the sustainable development of marine ecosystems. By combining educational programs with practical activities, the organizers hope conservation efforts will not remain limited to symbolic events but will continue as part of everyday life.
Strengthening the blue economy, protecting mangroves, restoring coral reefs, implementing sustainable waste management, and empowering coastal communities are closely interconnected and constitute important elements in the long-term protection of Indonesia's marine resources. This spirit also broadens the understanding of national defense through concrete efforts to protect the environment and biodiversity. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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