PT Internusa Jaya Sejahtera and Universitas Musamus partner on mangrove management in Kampung Urumb, Semangga District, Merauke Regency
Merauke, 26 September 2025 - PT Internusa Jaya Sejahtera (PT IJS) and Universitas Musamus (UMUS) Merauke have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to start a mangrove management programme in Kampung Urumb, Semangga District, Merauke Regency. The collaboration aims to build awareness, understanding and a shared commitment to protecting the mangrove ecosystem in the area.
The MoU was signed by representatives of both parties on 29 July 2025 in the Soter Nautje meeting room of the Rectorate Building at Universitas Musamus. Universitas Musamus was represented by its Vice Rector III for Partnerships, Student Affairs and Alumni, and PT Internusa Jaya Sejahtera (PT IJS) by its Regional Head for Merauke.
This marks the start of a partnership that will run for five years (2025-2029). The mangrove management programme focuses not only on environmental conservation but also on empowering the local community.
After the signing, the programme was introduced to the community of Kampung Urumb on Monday, 25 August 2025, at the Kampung Urumb village hall. The meeting was attended by:
- The Head of Sustainability and team from PT Internusa Jaya Sejahtera (PT IJS),
- The Vice Rector III of Universitas Musamus, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Musamus team,
- The head of Kampung Urumb, the village secretary, customary leaders of Kampung Urumb, women's representatives and 40 members of the Kampung Urumb community.
The session explained the programme's objectives, its targets and the active role of the community. As part of the programme, a local community group will be formed to take part directly in every stage of mangrove management. Establishing this group is expected to secure the programme's sustainability and build a sense of ownership among the people of Kampung Urumb.
Before nursery and planting work begins in 2026, a joint team from PT IJS and Universitas Musamus will carry out a Baseline Study. The study is essential to take stock of the current condition of the mangrove ecosystem, including species, vegetation density, soil conditions and other environmental parameters. Its results will be the reference for regularly monitoring the programme's success and making sure interventions are well targeted.
The three-way collaboration between PT IJS, Universitas Musamus and the community of Kampung Urumb is expected to become a model for sustainable environmental conservation. “We are very enthusiastic about this partnership. Through synergy between business, academia and the community, we are confident that the mangrove management programme in Kampung Urumb will have a significant positive impact. For PT IJS, this programme is part of our commitment to a sustainable industry,” said Pak Aman Mustika (Head of Sustainability, PT IJS).
Meanwhile, for Universitas Musamus, Pak Adrianus (Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture) said: “This programme is a concrete expression of the Tri Dharma of higher education, especially community service. We hope our knowledge and technology can benefit both nature and the wellbeing of people in Merauke Regency.”
The local government also gave its full support. In his remarks, the head of Kampung Urumb, Pak Godefrikus S. Mahuze, said: “We are very grateful for and fully support this programme. Mangroves are very important to us, and with the support of PT IJS and Universitas Musamus, we are confident the community will be better informed and better able to manage this natural wealth.”
Through this collaboration, mangrove management in Kampung Urumb is expected to become a model of synergy between the private sector, academia and communities in protecting coastal ecosystems, while supporting the sustainable development agenda of Merauke Regency, South Papua.
