Peduli Mangrove: community-based Rhizophora propagule planting in Salo Palai village, Muara Badak

Peduli Mangrove: penanaman propagul Rhizophora berbasis kolaborasi masyarakat di Desa Salo Palai, Muara Badak

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems play an important ecological role in coastal areas, yet part of Salo Palai Village, Muara Badak Subdistrict, Kutai Kartanegara Regency remained without mangrove vegetation. The Peduli Mangrove program was carried out by students of the 52nd Collaborative Community Service Program (KKN) of Universitas Mulawarman together with the Salo Palai community to add mangrove vegetation while strengthening collaboration between students and residents. The activity consisted of coordination with village stakeholders, a site survey, collection and transport of Rhizophora propagules, and planting on a plot of approximately 10 x 17 m on 6 August 2026. Of the 181 propagules prepared, 140 (77%) were successfully planted at a 1 x 1 m spacing supported by bamboo stakes; the unplanted propagules resulted from a reduction in the effective planting area caused by tidal conditions on the day of implementation. The program engaged active participation from the Community Surveillance Group (Pokmaswas), the Forest Farmer Group (KTH), the Youth Organization (Karang Taruna), neighborhood heads (RT), and local residents, ranging from providing the planting site and collecting planting material to transportation to the site. The results indicate that planting success depended not only on technical aspects but also on cross-group community collaboration, suggesting that this program may serve as a model for sustainable, collaborative mangrove rehabilitation in similar coastal areas.