Kendal – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), continues to strengthen its commitment to coastal ecosystem conservation through Bentang Biru 2025, an environmental initiative organized by the FMIPA UNNES Student Executive Board (BEM FMIPA UNNES). Carrying the theme “Tracing the Blue Footprints: Protecting the Ocean, Sustaining Life,” the program was held on May 31–June 1, 2025, at Muara Kencana Beach, Kendal Regency, bringing together students, lecturers, environmental organizations, and coastal communities in a shared commitment to environmental conservation.
A total of 80 participants took part in the two-day program, which aimed to promote awareness of coastal conservation through mangrove rehabilitation, environmental education, and cross-sector collaboration. The activity reflects FMIPA UNNES’s commitment to implementing conservation values while encouraging sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.
Bentang Biru 2025 was carried out through a collaboration between FMIPA UNNES, AbraSea, and the Center for Coastal Community Empowerment Services (P3MP) Kendal, a non-governmental organization dedicated to coastal environmental conservation, coastal abrasion prevention, and community empowerment in Kendal Regency, particularly in Pidodokulon Village, Patebon District.
As part of the collaboration, P3MP Kendal provided mangrove seedlings and assisted in identifying suitable planting locations based on the ecological characteristics of Muara Kencana Beach. This support ensured that the mangrove rehabilitation activities were conducted in appropriate coastal areas, maximizing their ecological benefits and long-term conservation impact. The activity was accompanied by Wasito, Head of P3MP Kendal, who also serves as a civil servant at the Environmental Agency of Kendal Regency. His involvement further strengthened the collaboration between higher education institutions, non-governmental organizations, local government, and coastal communities in supporting sustainable coastal conservation.
The program was also supported by FMIPA UNNES lecturers who actively participated in the field activities, including Abdul Jabbar, M.Ling., Yahya Nur Ifriza, S.Pd., M.Kom., Hendra Febriyanto, M.Pd., and Ratna Nur Mustika Sanusi, S.Mat., M.Si. Their participation strengthened the integration of education, community engagement, and environmental conservation while providing direct guidance to students throughout the activity.
Through the mangrove planting activities at Muara Kencana Beach, participants gained a deeper understanding of the vital role of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastlines from erosion, providing habitats for diverse coastal species, storing blue carbon, and maintaining the productivity of coastal ecosystems. The activity also served as an experiential learning opportunity that enhanced students’ understanding of sustainable coastal management.
The organizing committee emphasized that Bentang Biru extends beyond tree planting activities. It seeks to foster collective awareness that protecting marine and coastal ecosystems is a shared responsibility. Through collaboration among students, academics, government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities, the program is expected to contribute to long-term coastal rehabilitation while delivering lasting environmental and social benefits.
Through Bentang Biru 2025, FMIPA UNNES reaffirms its commitment to promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration in conserving coastal ecosystems. The initiative directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through mangrove rehabilitation and coastal ecosystem conservation, SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the protection of coastal biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening partnerships among universities, non-governmental organizations, conservation communities, local government, and coastal communities in advancing sustainable development.
