Serdang Bedagai | 1kabar.com
The Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) of North Sumatra Province provided additional facilities, including canoes and parasols, to the Muara Bambai Group, which manages the Kampung Nipah Mangrove Beach Educational Tourism in Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, on Sunday (June 7, 2026). This activity aims to increase visitor appeal, especially for those seeking aesthetic photo spots.
In addition to efforts to increase visitor appeal, additional facilities such as canoes can also be used by groups as a means of transportation to monitor and rejuvenate land that is difficult to access by land.
Hans Tarigan, Secretary of the Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) of North Sumatra Province (Sumut), said that the Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) chose the Muara Bambai group as the beneficiary, because it was considered sufficiently ready and fully met the criteria for receiving financial assistance.
“"The requirements for accessing this donor are quite specific, particularly for being far from conflict. We consider this group to be quite suitable and ready to receive funding," Hans said in his statement on Sunday (07/06/2026).
Hans added that the Muara Bambai mangrove conservation group has a strong commitment to preserving the mangrove ecosystem in coastal areas.
“"This group deserves to be given the opportunity to increase their sustainable economic capacity," Hans added.
•Educational Tourism and Utilization of Mangrove Forest Products.
This tourist destination, located in Seinagalawan Village, Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, offers a variety of environmentally-based educational tourism activities.
Providing in-depth knowledge about the local wisdom of coastal communities and gaining experience to be actively involved in efforts to rehabilitate coastal forest areas and marine ecosystems.
The Muara Bambai mangrove conservation group as an Ecotourism Manager, has obtained a Community Forest Utilization Business Permit on June 29, 2020 with Permit Number SK.1408/MENLHK-PSKL-PKPS/PSL.0/6/2020, with an area of 2 hectares (Ha).
In addition to having tourism potential, the use of mangrove fruit and leaves can be managed by groups to make various innovative food products, such as crackers, chips, syrup, and others.
•Challenges in Tourism Management.
Irwan Syahril, Head of the Muara Bambai Mangrove Farmers Group, explained the challenges in managing the Nipah Village Mangrove Beach Ecotourism in Perbaungan District.
Since its inception in 2012, issues such as waste management have remained the group's biggest challenge to date. These include a lack of visitor awareness about waste, the massive amount of trash dumped on the beach, and constantly changing government policies.
Regarding waste management, Irwan hopes for collaboration from any party who wants to work together in waste management efforts in the region.
“"We are open to any form of cooperation in handling, managing, and utilizing waste," said Irwan in his statement, Sunday (07/06/2026).
The government's minimal contribution to waste management in the region is palpable. Irwan stated that he has repeatedly coordinated efforts to manage the waste, which comes not only from visitors but also from the sea, reaching the area managed by the group.
With the concept of sustainable economic tourism, Irwan Syahril focuses on the economic challenges of group members. According to Irwan, meeting the group's economic needs significantly impacts members' enthusiasm for preserving the mangrove ecosystem. Innovation and the addition of facilities, infrastructure, and infrastructure contribute to improving the group's economic well-being.
•World Environment Day 2026.
Mangrove forests are a buffer zone for coastal areas, protecting the coast from abrasion and large waves, providing habitat for various types of fish, shrimp, crabs and birds, and are effective carbon absorbers to help reduce the impact of climate change.
World Environment Day 2026, celebrated every June 5th, is a crucial opportunity to raise public awareness, especially among visitors, about preserving mangrove forests. Irwan Syahril urged everyone to participate in mangrove conservation efforts at Kampung Nipah Mangrove Beach.
“"Even though we can't be directly involved, at least the community encourages us to continue and tirelessly protect and preserve the mangrove ecosystem. Because the more people plant, protect, and care for mangrove forests, the more oxygen is produced and available for everyone to enjoy," he said.
The Indonesian Social Forestry Management Association (AP2SI) advised the community, especially the Muara Bambai Mangrove Farmers Group, to continue to maintain and preserve the mangrove ecosystem in their area.
Through various programs that have been and will be implemented, we can contribute to improving the economy of groups that never tire of preserving nature, especially the mangrove ecosystem at Nipah Beach, Perbaungan District.
“"Without the community's involvement, the ecosystem would never have grown this rapidly. I've seen so many drastic developments aided by the community. I hope the government will help, so that the community's voice can be heard and they can immediately receive the assistance they desperately need," Hans concluded. (ac-40)
