On February 14, Bishop Vinsentius Setiawan Triatmojo of the Diocese of Tanjungkarang, joined three priests and about 80 participants in planting mangrove seedlings along the coast of Cukunyinyi, Sidodadi Village, South Lampung Regency.
Tanjungkarang is located in Lampung Province, at the southern tip of Sumatra Island, Indonesia.
The activity marked Phase 2 of a mangrove planting initiative launched in November 2025. The program is coordinated by Sr. Vincentia HK of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart, who also chairs the Environmental Education Program of the Laudato Si’ Indonesia Group.
According to Sr. Vincentia, 1,000 seedlings were planted during the first phase. The second phase expanded participation and included the Bishop’s direct involvement.
Broad Participation
Participants in the February planting came from various institutions and communities, including students from Universitas Lampung (UNILA) and Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), members of the Catholic Student Community, Catholic youth (OMK) from several parishes, and students from Gentiaras College under the diocese.
Members of the GusDurian Network, a Muslim youth community known for promoting pluralism and social engagement, also took part in the activity.
Three diocesan priests accompanied Bishop Avin in entering the tidal area during low tide to plant the seedlings.
Invitation and Response
Sr. Vincentia said she initially invited the Bishop through a WhatsApp message and later repeated the invitation in person. She acknowledged that she was uncertain whether he would be able to attend, given his schedule, which included participation in a priestly ordination celebration of a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) in Lampung.
The Bishop agreed to join the activity. Quoted by Sr. Vincentia, he said he wanted to support practical efforts connected to the diocesan pastoral focus on environmental care.
Linked to Diocesan Pastoral Theme
The mangrove planting aligns with the Diocese of Tanjungkarang’s 2026 pastoral theme, “Love for Life and the Environment,” outlined in its Ninth Pastoral Basic Direction. The theme draws inspiration from Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
In the weeks leading up to the coastal activity, Bishop Avin also encouraged environmental action at the parish level. On January 31, parishioners in areas within Tanjungkarang Cathedral Parish conducted river clean-up efforts in Tanjung Raya and Tanjung Gading sub-districts, removing waste and debris from waterways.
Sr. Vincentia said the Bishop’s participation in both river and coastal activities has encouraged greater lay involvement in environmental initiatives.
Support and Future Phases
The procurement of seedlings for the second phase was supported by Sahabat Insan, an environmental and social concern community guided by Fr. Ignatius Ismartono SJ in Jakarta.
Organizers plan to hold Phase 3 of the mangrove planting in July 2026 to coincide with World Mangrove Day. The target is to plant a total of 5,000 seedlings in the Pesawaran coastal area.
A separate mangrove planting activity is scheduled for March 2026 in Kalianda, also in South Lampung Regency.
The February 14 initiative brought together clergy, students, youth groups, interfaith representatives, and local environmental activists in a coordinated effort to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems in Lampung Province.
