Balinese officials and teachers have shown that they can work not just behind office desks.
Picking up shovels, hoes, and mattocks, they planted more than 3,500 trees in a day along one of the major rivers in the Jembrana district — Biluk Poh.
Their motivation wasn't just an excess of energy or aesthetics: the root systems of these trees will strengthen the banks, protect them from erosion, and slow down soil breakdown. Although Bali isn't short on trees, some areas still need them. This was especially evident during the flood that occurred in Bali in September. If more areas were forested, they would have acted as a natural buffer, experts say: root systems hold the soil, slow down water, and allow it to be absorbed into the ground.
They planted tamans, tropical almonds, manilkaras, and Balinese mahoganies. The choice of these tree species is both practical and symbolic:
✔️ The taman is known for its dense foliage, providing natural shade and coolness — in Bali, these trees are often planted near temples and schools.
✔️ The tropical almond grows quickly and its strong roots help prevent soil erosion.
✔️ Manilkara (locally known as sauwo) provides dense wood and sweet fruits.
✔️ Balinese mahogany is valued for its strength and durability — it's a tree that can truly outlive generations.
The secretary of the administration, I Made Budiasa, who personally oversaw the planting, added a touch of romantic drama to the event by stating: 'The true worth of work is not measured in the number of saplings but in the trees that will outlive us — those that grow, provide shade, purify the air, and protect water. A city where officials and teachers don't hide behind paperwork but pick up a shovel themselves becomes stronger and more honest.'
This isn't the first similar event this year. Previously, a commercial organization in Sanur planted 1,000 mangrove trees, and a few months prior, the police in Kuta organized a similar event. No one intends to rest on their laurels: the upcoming November 28th is generally considered Tree Planting Day in Indonesia, and surely the greening of Bali will continue at a brisk pace. Across the country, schoolchildren, government employees, and commercial organization staff will engage in greening their already beautiful country — because you can never have too much greenery, don't you agree?
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