RRI.CO.ID, Tanjung Selor - A tree planting ceremony carried the weight of both spiritual devotion and civic commitment on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Buddhists in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, marked Tri Suci Vesak 2570 Buddhist Era (BE)/2026 with prayer and action by planting a sacred Bodhi tree at the heart of the Bundayati Botanical Garden in Tanjung Selor.

The Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), revered in Buddhism as the species under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, was deliberately placed at the garden’s central island as both a spiritual landmark and a living symbol of environmental care.

Committee chair Hendy Dermawan, speaking on behalf of the Buddhist community, expressed gratitude to the Bulungan Regency Administration for providing space for the ceremony.

“We, the Buddhist community of Bulungan Regency, appreciate and are grateful for the efforts made and the space provided for the planting of the Bodhi tree at Bundayati Botanical Garden. This event was held specifically to coincide with the Tri Suci Vesak holiday,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

Hendy noted that the planting symbolized collective commitment to supporting the regency’s green conservation programs and echoed the Religious Affairs Ministry’s ecotheology initiative. He urged fellow Buddhists to continue channeling their energy into activities that strengthen the regency’s development agenda.

Bulungan Regent Syarwani attended the ceremony and joined worshippers in planting the tree.

He extended Vesak greetings to the Buddhist community and hopes that the occasion will bring lasting benefit. “May this celebration of Tri Suci Vesak bring us all happiness and a better life. May prosperity also always accompany all people in Bulungan Regency, especially my Buddhist brothers and sisters,” he said.

The regent also thanked Buddhist leaders and community members for their active participation in public life, recognizing their contributions to energizing and building the regency through positive collective activities.

He noted that Sunday’s tree planting was part of a continuing tradition of collaboration between the administration and the Buddhist community at the same venue.

“This is not the first time we have held activities together with the Buddhist community, as some time ago we also released catfish in this area. We certainly hope that these activities can become part of enlivening the presence of Bundayati Botanical Garden,” said Syarwani. **