12 May 2025
On the southern coast of Obi Island, specifically in Soligi village, a community group called Tongke, which means “mangrove” in the local language, has long been caring for the mangrove forest that grows along their village’s shoreline. Formed independently in 2019, this group emerged from the local community’s growing awareness of the importance of protecting the environment that sustains their lives.
In recent years, collaboration with Harita Nickel has strengthened these conservation efforts. The synergy between local wisdom and the company’s technical support brings new hope for the sustainability of coastal ecosystems and the communities that rely on the sea and mangrove forests for their livelihoods.
The village of Soligi has a coastline stretching 1.7 kilometers and a mangrove ecosystem covering 23.01 hectares, consisting of 12.98 hectares of protected forest and 10.03 hectares of potential conservation area. The mangroves in this region play a vital role as barriers against coastal erosion, natural habitats for marine life, and carbon sinks that support climate change mitigation efforts.
Recognizing this strategic value, Harita Nickel has implemented a mangrove conservation program as part of its environmental and social responsibility. This program uses a participatory approach, emphasizing the active role of the community, particularly the Tongke group, at every stage of the initiative.
As a key partner in the initiative, the Tongke group receives comprehensive training and capacity-building support. This includes education on mangrove species, seedling cultivation techniques, site-specific planting methods, and monitoring and evaluation of conservation outcomes. These activities are designed to equip group members with the skills needed to manage the mangrove ecosystem independently and sustainably.
According to Ifan Farianda, Community Development Manager at Harita Nickel, “We aim to ensure that the presence of our company within the community also brings lasting benefits to the environment. This mangrove conservation initiative is not just for today, it is an investment in the future of Soligi Village.”
Throughout 2024, Harita Nickel and the Tongke group have planted 1,030 mangrove seedlings through various community-based activities. These efforts also involved students, local government representatives, and academic institutions such as Khairun University.
The selected species, Rhizophora mucronata and Rhizophora stylosa, were chosen based on their ecological compatibility with Soligi’s coastal conditions. Seedlings are cultivated and maintained at a nursery facility within the village, fully supported by the company to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
The Tongke group has also taken further steps by developing its own independent mangrove seedling business. This initiative allows them to produce high-quality mangrove seedlings, which are used for replanting efforts and also sold as a local product to neighboring villages across Obi Island.
Taher, Head of the Tongke group, shared, “Through these trainings, our understanding of mangroves has significantly deepened. We now recognize their vital role and feel more prepared to protect our village’s mangrove forests.”
Harmin Muhammad, Chairman of Soligi’s Village Consultative Body (BPD), expressed his aspirations, “We hope Harita Nickel will continue supporting not only mangrove conservation but also initiatives in healthcare, education, and agriculture. This is just the beginning of broader positive change.”
Beyond Soligi, Harita Nickel has expanded its conservation programs to other villages in South Halmahera Regency. Since 2021, over 67,000 mangrove seedlings have been planted across 23.04 hectares in four villages: Soligi (Obi District), Awango and Belang-Belang (Bacan District), and Guruapin (Kayoa District). These efforts are carried out through cross-sector collaboration involving universities, village governments, and local residents.
As the downstream nickel industry grows in Obi Island, Harita Nickel remains committed to ensuring that economic advancement goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Through clear vision, strategic partnerships, and long-term commitment, the path to a sustainable future is not just an ideal, but a reality in progress.
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