From 70 Million Walka-Walka Steps to 700 Mangrove Trees for Tangerang’s Coastal Protection

A total of 70,175,549 steps accumulated by employees of PT Medela Potentia Tbk and its subsidiaries through the Walka-Walka employee wellbeing program have been transformed into tangible environmental action. Through Argon Peduli, 700 mangrove trees were planted along the KSS Beach coastline in Sukawali Village, Pakuhaji District, Tangerang Regency, on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

The mangrove planting initiative represents an extension of Walka-Walka, a wellbeing program that encourages employees to adopt an active lifestyle while creating a positive environmental impact. In recognition of their participation, employee representatives who won the Walka-Walka program also took part in the planting activity alongside PT Medela Potentia Tbk and its subsidiaries.

The planting was led by PT Medela Potentia Tbk Director, Mr. Edbert Orotodan, together with Walka-Walka winning employees, in collaboration with LindungiHutan and the Kampung Bahari Nusantara Community Group.

The site was selected because the coastal area faces the threat of abrasion. Ahmad Marbawi, facilitator for the Kampung Bahari Nusantara Community Group, explained that the state forest area in the vicinity once covered approximately 111 hectares. However, around 60 hectares have been affected by coastal abrasion, leaving approximately 51 hectares remaining.

“Of the original 111 hectares, approximately 60 hectares have been affected by abrasion, leaving only 51 hectares. Mangroves help reduce wave intensity and prevent further coastal erosion,” Mr. Ahmad explained.

Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal areas by helping dissipate wave energy and sustaining the ecosystems that depend on these habitats. Therefore, successful mangrove restoration requires more than planting seedlings. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to help ensure that the trees survive and deliver long-term environmental benefits.

Mr. Edbert emphasized that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility, with benefits that should extend beyond the present generation.

“We are planting these mangroves for the benefit of the wider community. We have a moral responsibility to leave a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren,” Mr. Edbert said.

As part of the program’s long-term commitment, Argon Peduli will work with LindungiHutan and the Kampung Bahari Nusantara Community Group to monitor the growth of the planted mangroves. The monitoring process will also include replanting seedlings that do not survive and assessing carbon sequestration to track the environmental progress and impact of the initiative.

Mr. Endang Sukandar, the Environment Pillar Leader under the ESGH Committee of PT Medela Potentia Tbk, explained that the mangrove planting initiative builds on Walka-Walka by connecting employee wellbeing with environmental stewardship.

“The mangrove planting initiative originated from the Walka-Walka wellbeing program. The steps accumulated by employees have been translated into tree donations as part of our collective efforts to protect the environment,” Mr. Endang said.

For participating employees, the activity also provided an opportunity to see firsthand how collective efforts can generate positive outcomes beyond the workplace.

Mrs. Bernadetta Nurani Prima Dwiratri of PT Djembatan Dua welcomed the initiative and expressed her appreciation to Argon Peduli for facilitating the activity.

“Thank you to Argon Peduli for facilitating this initiative. It has been a positive and new experience for me and several colleagues. Walka-Walka not only promotes physical wellbeing but also benefits the environment, allowing us to make a contribution that extends beyond our personal health,” Mrs. Bernadetta said.

Mr. Febri Saddam Mardiyansah of PT Medela Potentia Tbk shared a similar perspective, noting that the activity offered a new opportunity to contribute to environmental protection alongside colleagues.

“It was a really enjoyable experience. This was my first time participating in a mangrove planting activity with my colleagues. Mangroves help break up wave energy, reducing its impact on coastal ecosystems,” he said.

Through Walka-Walka, an initiative originally designed to encourage employees to stay active has evolved into a collective contribution to environmental protection. The 70 million steps accumulated by employees have now been translated into 700 mangrove trees to help protect Tangerang’s coastline. Walka for Health, Walka for Earth.