Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - The Indonesian Military (TNI) conducted a tree planting program at the border area between Indonesia and Malaysia in Teluk Bakung Village, Sungai Ambawang Subdistrict, Kubuu Raya District, West Kalimantan Province. TNI Spokesperson Inf. Bernardus Robert in a press statement, Sunday, said the tree planting program was led by TNI Chief General Moeldoko and participated in by Special Envoy of President Seychelles for ASEAN Nico Barito (Director of Asia-Pacific R-20) with representatives from 40 oil-producer and environmentally-concerned countries. TNI and the Ministry of Forestry, teamed up with Asia-Pacific R-20, planted as many as 12,300 Kemiri Sunan (Reutealis trisperma) seedlings on 5,000 hectares area at the initial step in Teluk Bakung Village on Saturday (March 7). The program was aimed not only at building forest ecosystem and reducing the impact of global warming but also to provide renewable energy resource. TNI Chief General Moeldoko said that the tree planting program was expected to foster the people spirit in planting trees, as well as to improve the people\'s welfare and energy security. Reutealis trisperma can be cultivated for the oil obtained from its seed for synthesis biodiesel and for medical use. \"Moreover, the tree planting has a strategic value for the TNI as the Kemiri Sunan trees can serve as a natural fortress for our soldiers from the enemy attack,\" Moeldoko said. Director of Asia-Pacific R-20 Nico Barito said the Kemiri Sunan tree is originated from Philippines and can live until 75 years. Reutealis trisperma is an evergreen tree with a dense crown; it can grow up to 15 metres tall. \"It is fit to be cultivated in the tropical area of Indonesia,\" Barito said. R-20 is a nonprofit environmental organization whose purpose is to educate about clean energy and assist sub-national government to implement low-carbon and climate resilient projects. R-20 was founded in November 2010 by former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger with the support of the United Nations.(*)


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