Eyewitness – The Mandalika
July 25, 2026
Ahead of International Mangrove Conservation Day on July 26, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero)—known as InJourney—alongside its subsidiary, the InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), is bolstering the development of the Mangrove Sanctuary in The Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), as a conservation-based ecotourism destination. The initiative was marked by the planting of 4,500 mangrove saplings under the InJourney Green program.
The planting activity, held on Friday (July 24), represents the third phase of a mangrove rehabilitation program initiated on September 14, 2025, in Block 22. The second phase took place during Earth Day on April 22, 2026, across Blocks 22 and 23. With this third phase, the total number of planted mangrove saplings has reached 20,000.
The latest planting was conducted in Lot MG, Block 11, and Block 23 of The Mandalika using the Rhizophora Stylosa species. The initiative aims to preserve the environment and safeguard tourism assets by protecting coastal areas from erosion, high waves, strong winds, and seawater intrusion. Additionally, mangroves absorb and store significant amounts of carbon within their trunks, roots, and sediment, directly supporting climate change mitigation while providing a vital habitat for local marine life, birds, and endemic coastal organisms unique to Mandalika.
“Through the InJourney Green program, we want to ensure that tourism development delivers economic growth while maintaining ecosystem balance and providing long-term benefits for the community. One of our main focuses is developing the Mangrove Sanctuary in The Mandalika as part of our commitment to sustainable tourism,” said Herdy Harman, Director of Human Capital and Digital at InJourney.
Herdy emphasized that the success of the program is not measured solely by the number of trees planted. InJourney is also conducting social mapping and drafting a community empowerment roadmap to transform the Mangrove Sanctuary into a new economic driver through ecotourism and conservation-based activities.
On the same occasion, General Manager of The Mandalika, Pari Wijaya, stated that environmental conservation serves as the cornerstone for developing The Mandalika into a world-class, sustainability-driven tourism destination.
”At The Mandalika, we believe that destination development must go hand in hand with environmental preservation efforts. Through InJourney Green, we are not only rehabilitating the mangrove ecosystem but also laying the foundation for an ecotourism zone that yields long-term benefits for the environment, local communities, and the destination’s sustainability,” Pari said.
To ensure targeted and sustainable development, InJourney and ITDC have commissioned a feasibility study encompassing a mangrove rehabilitation roadmap, local social mapping, and an identification of economic opportunities stemming from the mangrove ecosystem. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies at IPB University (PKSPL IPB) to provide a scientific framework for managing the sanctuary.
Pari added that the development is expected to yield broader benefits beyond the environment. “Mangroves play a crucial role as natural coastal shields, carbon sinks, and biodiversity habitats, while also offering economic potential for local residents. Therefore, we want to ensure every development step delivers tangible contributions to environmental preservation and community welfare. Moving forward, the Mangrove Sanctuary is envisioned as a space for conservation, education, and ecotourism that reinforces Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at The Mandalika,” Pari added.
The program involves various stakeholders, including PKSPL IPB, local governments, environmental agencies, local authorities, academics, area tenants, and nearby communities. This cross-sector collaboration plays a crucial role in building sustainable mangrove management while creating added value for both the region and its people.
Through InJourney Green, the InJourney Group continues to reinforce sustainable development across all managed destinations, reflecting the company’s commitment to balancing tourism development, environmental conservation, and community empowerment.
Reporter : Daniel Herry
