RRI.CO.ID, Papua - The Joint Regional Defense Command III, through the Self-sufficiency Operations Command, conducted simultaneous tree planting activities in some points on the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border. It is related to commemorate the World One Million Tree Day.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) maintains not only regional security, but also demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the balance of the ecosystem in Papua. Papua contributes for more than a third of Indonesia's forest cover. It is considered one of the lungs of the world.

The island faces the threat of degradation due to land clearing, logging practices, and development pressures. Tree planting in border areas is considered strategic for preventing damage to buffer zones while strengthening the ecological function of forests.

This one million tree planting program has strategic impacts, namely curbing deforestation, maintaining hydrological functions, and bolstering environmental resilience in areas vulnerable to climate change. Furthermore, this step aligns with the national commitment to increasing land cover and supporting the target of reducing emissions from the forestry sector.

This planting activity targets strategic areas in five regions, from Jayapura City, Keerom Regency, Pegunungan Bintang, Boven Digoel, to Merauke, as an effort to respond to the increasing risk of environmental damage in border areas. The program has strategic meaning.

By increasing the presence of TNI personnel in 15 rarely visited border districts, the state is making a real impact on the community. Papua's forests, which store 13.5 billion tons of carbon and are home to 602 bird species, 125 mammal species, and 20,000 plant species, constitute Indonesia's natural wealth.

These dense forests can serve as natural defenses against various illegal activities on the border. The simultaneous tree-planting initiative not only serves as a greening initiative, but also emphasizes that security stability in Papua is closely linked to the sustainability of forest ecosystems.

Through tree-planting programs and regular patrols, the TNI reforests not only border areas, but also establishes an early warning system to monitor the border. Every tree is a symbol of Indonesian sovereignty.

The centralized activity took place in Yabanda District, Keerom Regency, Papua, Saturday, 24 January 2026, led by Deputy Commander of Self- sufficiency Operation Command, Brigadier General Wulang Nur Yudhanto. He affirmed in his remarks, that preserving Papua's natural resources is an "important legacy for future generations" and that reforestation needs to be an integral part of regional security duties.

"Papua's natural resources are a precious gift. Through this tree-planting activity, we strive to preserve the forests as a national treasure for the future of Indonesia," he said.

The local community's response to this program has been positive. Residents' involvement in the planting process underscores the synergy between security forces and border communities, particularly in maintaining environmental sustainability. For indigenous Papuans, forests are not only a source of life, but also an integral part of their cultural identity that must be preserved.

With a collaborative approach between the TNI and the community, the event is expected to be the starting point for ongoing efforts to restore and protect Papua's forests, an ecological asset that is crucial not only for Indonesia, but also for the sustainability of the planet. (Ahmad Faisal)