ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — EIB Global, together with Team Europe and Indonesian partners, has launched a comprehensive environmental initiative to restore coral reefs in the Thousand Islands on December 9, 2025.
The program includes coastal clean-ups, coral transplantation, and the release of juvenile clownfish to help rehabilitate marine ecosystems north of Jakarta.
As part of the campaign, participants collected more than 130 kilograms of marine waste on Gusung Island—an amount gathered within just 30 minutes during the clean-up drive.
The activities were carried out in collaboration with the Langit Biru Pertiwi Foundation and involved representatives from the EU Delegation to ASEAN, embassies of EU Member States, Indonesian authorities, civil society organisations, NGOs, researchers, university students, and local communities.
On Macan Island, teams planted baby corals onto artificial substrates to restore damaged reef structures. They also released juvenile clownfish raised in protected nurseries to support the regeneration of vulnerable coral habitats.
The initiative forms part of EU Green Diplomacy Week, a global campaign promoting climate action and practical environmental cooperation.
“Global Responsibility” to Protect Marine Ecosystems
EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Indonesia, emphasised the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding marine biodiversity.
“Protecting marine ecosystems is a shared global responsibility. EIB Global values its long-standing partnership with Indonesia as we work together to advance sustainable development and build long-term environmental and economic resilience. This initiative in the Thousand Islands reminds us that global change often begins with small actions undertaken by committed individuals,” he said
Targeted Action for Measurable Impact
Sunita Lukkhoo, Head of EIB Group for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the significance of collective effort during the on-site implementation.
“Working alongside our partners, we removed debris, restored coral fragments, and strengthened the resilience of local marine habitats. While small in scale, these efforts demonstrate how targeted action contributes to broader environmental goals. Continued cooperation between Team Europe and Indonesia is essential for sustaining and expanding these activities.”
EU Highlights Power of Small, Impactful Initiatives
EU Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Sujiro Seam, underlined that even minor environmental actions can generate meaningful impact.
“The EU is committed to addressing the triple planetary crisis—whether through large programmes or small, hands-on initiatives like coral planting and clownfish release. As Kofi Annan famously said: if you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito. Our work with Team Europe, local government, the private sector, and many others seeks to deliver significant and lasting environmental change.”
Thousand Islands Reaffirms Commitment to Blue Economy Vision
Tri Indrawan, Regency Secretary and representative of the Thousand Islands Government, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted ongoing local challenges.
“We are pleased to host EIB Global and showcase both the region’s potential and the daily struggles we face due to plastic pollution and climate change. We remain committed to developing a blue economy, as outlined in President Prabowo’s Asta Cita, by leveraging natural resources, sustainable practices, and local expertise.”
About EIB Global
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States.
EIB Global is the Bank’s specialised arm dedicated to enhancing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of the Global Gateway initiative.
It aims to support €100 billion in investment by 2027. Within Team Europe, EIB Global builds focused partnerships with development finance institutions and civil society, supported by its network of global offices. (AT Network)
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