By: Ciptanti Putri

In commemoration of the Indonesian Tree Planting Day (HMPI) on November 28, 2012, which also welcomed the National Planting Month (BMN) in December, President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono gave awards to WWF-Indonesia and a number of other conservation businesses. This award was received by WWF-Indonesia for its consistency in greening several conservation areas and critical lands through a number of programs, such as NEWtrees and MyBabyTree. WWF-Indonesia's efforts are considered to have supported the success of the government's "Planting 1 Billion Trees" program in 2011, especially in conservation areas at the national level.

This award was given to WWF-Indonesia because WWF-Indonesia actively invites the public and corporations to plant trees. "The government considers that WWF-Indonesia has supported the annual national 1 Billion Tree Planting program. In addition, WWF-Indonesia is also considered as one of the NGOs that never stops inviting the public to plant trees, both corporately through the NEWtrees program, and individually through the MyBabyTree program," said Devy Suradji, Director of Marketing and Communications of WWF-Indonesia. According to her, this award is not only a source of pride, but also an incentive for WWF-Indonesia to continue to maintain the trust of corporations and individuals who have entrusted their donations in the NEWtrees and MyBabyTree programs. Devy said, the essence of these two programs is none other than transparency, especially on the use of funds deposited by corporations and individuals. Therefore, WWF-Indonesia complements both deforestation programs with the Geotag application, maintenance program, and monitoring program for the planted trees. "This award makes us more introspective and continues to be consistent in our moral responsibility to maintain the trust of corporations and individuals," added Devy.

In addition to WWF-Indonesia, the President of Indonesia and the Minister of Forestry also gave awards to the Governors, Regents and Mayors who won the 2011 National One Billion Tree Planting Competition. The Ministry of Forestry also gave appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in the 1 Billion Tree Planting Movement in 2011, including non-forestry businesses; PT Astra International Tbk, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, PT Adaro Energy, Tbk, Pt. Indominco Mandiri, and PT Jarum. For forestry sector businesses, awards were given to PT Sarmiento Parakantja Timber (Central Kalimantan), PT Erna Juliawati (West Kalimantan), and PT Korintiga Hutani (Central Kalimantan). Community groups of business actors who partner with the timber industry were also honored. A number of other conservation businesses that were awarded together with WWF-Indonesia, including PT Murindra Karya Lestari (Angke Kapuk Nature Park Jakarta), PT Adhiniaga Kreasinusa-Artha Graha Peduli (Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Lampung), and PT Trimbawan Swastama Sejati (West Bali National Park).

On that occasion, President SBY together with all Ministers of the United Indonesia Cabinet II as well as high-ranking state officials and ambassadors of friendly countries planted trees in the Urban Forest Area, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Complex, Cengkareng, Jakarta. President SBY planted Manglid (Manglieta glauca), First Lady Hj. Ani Bambang Yudhoyono planted Sempur (Dillenia SP), Vice President Boediono planted Tanjung (Mimusops elengi), Vice President Hj. Herawati Boediono planted Walnut (Canarrium S), Minister of Forestry Zulkifli Hasan planted Cempaka (Michelia champaca) and Minister of Forestry Soraya Zulkifli Hasan planted Sawo Kecik (Manilkara kauki). On the occasion, the leaders of MPR RI, DPR RI, and DPD RI also planted trees.