By: M. Chusnan Ma'arif (Marine Buddies Surabaya Community)

The Marine Buddies Surabaya community organized a FANTASTRIP (Fun and Fantastic Trip) to Panjang Island with 27 other participants on May 6-7 to Panjang Island Small Island Park, Jepara, Central Java. With the aim to invite participating participants to become #TemanTamanLautaut by recognizing, visiting, and supervising conservation areas in the Small Island Park, participants also carry out coral reef rehabilitation.

"In the past, the coral reefs on Panjang Island were very good. However, it was gradually damaged due to weather changes and due to high waves. Coral reefs are important ecosystems in the sea. So we must protect it well" said Agus, Guide Agent Traveler of Panjang Island.

Panjang Island, which is located near Kartini Beach and can be reached by boat for approximately 30 minutes, has a complete marine ecosystem and high biodiversity. Mustain, who is often called Pak Tain, Chairman of the Community Supervisory Group (POKMASWAS) of the Long Island Small Island Park in Jepara, introduced the Long Island Small Island Park area as one of the conservation areas in Jepara Regency. In between his explanations, Mr. Tain invited the participants to protect the environment so that they can enjoy it until old age.

"I am very happy, because I can do marine rehabilitation together with the Marine Buddies Surabaya Community. Actually, this activity should often be carried out by environmentalist communities," said Mr. Tain before doing Beach Clean Up with the participants.

Let Long Island stay Blue!
Under the hot sun cooled by the sea breeze, the Marine Buddies Surabaya Community walked along the beach while picking up trash, most of which was plastic, glass, sterofoam, and masks.

"This is what makes our sea more and more damaged. Trash is everywhere. As far as the eye can see, there is always trash. Come on guys, let's protect the sea. Starting from ourselves to throw garbage in its place and start to save plastic." Said Wigo Santoso, Videographer of M-Radio Surabaya.

After walking along the beach, Mr. Mustain and Mr. Agus, travel agent of Panjang Island, briefed the participants before conducting coral reef transplantation. The technique used for this coral transplantation is the ikat method.

"Later, the coral fragments that we have collected are tied to a concrete, then the concrete is neatly arranged on a table made of PVC and nets. Furthermore, the table is sunk in the sea at a depth of approximately 3-5 meters. The type of coral that will be used is Acropora sp. The reason for using this coral is because it is fast in growth so it is suitable as a transplant fragment, "explained Mr. Tain.

Mr. Tain also added that the corals that have been planted will be monitored by the local manager and the results will be reported as evidence that the Marine Buddies Surabaya Community has carried out coral reef ecosystem rehabilitation activities on Panjang Island.

After carrying out a series of activities, participants carried out activities to assess the condition and management of Marine Protected Areas using Marine Buddies Mobile Apps. With this assessment, it is hoped that the management system of marine protected areas in the Panjang Island Small Island Park will be better and more sustainable.

"So, on this occasion the participants not only recognize and visit the Marine Protected Areas. What is rarely obtained is to participate directly in assessing the condition of marine protected areas with the aim of making marine protected areas that have a sustainable management system, "said Chusnan, PIC FANTASTRIP to Panjang Island, in an interview from M-Radio Surabaya.

Be #TamantLaut friends by recognizing, visiting, and monitoring marine protected areas in Indonesia!