Nestled in the heart of Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, lies a vibrant and resilient community rich in culture, history, and determination. Here, every thread of tradition and every root in the soil tells a story of perseverance and interconnectedness. These stories come to life through the initiatives of PETRONAS Indonesia, whose commitment to social impact and environmental stewardship is making significant strides in community empowerment and environmental conservation through its social impact initiatives. These efforts, encapsulated in the Planting Tomorrow initiative and the Uplifting Lives initiative, are transforming lives and landscapes, fostering sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Through their Planting Tomorrow and Uplifting Lives initiatives, PETRONAS is more than a catalyst for change; it is a partner to the people, empowering communities to thrive while nurturing the natural world. By uniting tradition and conservation, these programmes offer a glimpse into the powerful partnership between people and planet. Two extraordinary efforts stand out in this mission: the revitalisation of Batik culture and the restoration of mangrove ecosystems. These initiatives, deeply connected, not only preserve the soul of Gresik but also secure its future.

An artisan skillfully applies batik wax on fabric, creating intricate floral designs. This traditional technique plays a significant role in preserving local culture in Gresik, Indonesia. Photo taken at the Manyarsidorukun village, Gresik.

Empowering Women and Preserving Heritage Through Batik

Batik is more than fabric; it is a vibrant canvas that captures the heartbeat of a community. Through the Uplifting Lives initiative there are collaborations with artisans in Manyarsidorukun village to breathe new life into this age-old tradition. The beautiful pattern of Batik Damar Rukun is more than just fabric; it is the village's soul. Each stroke tells a story of gotong-royong (synergy), and the prints reflect the signature commodities of Gresik. The Batik Damar Rukun programme, led by the dedicated Ibu Masturoh and her team of women, is creating far-reaching impact. These women, mostly housewives, learned to design and produce Batik adorned with motifs that reflect the identity of Gresik, such as milkfish and mangroves. These motifs are iconic symbols of the region and weaves tales of gratitude, synergy and harmony into every piece.

Together with PETRONAS, the artisans receive training, equipment, and ongoing mentoring to refine their craft and bring their products to market, instilling a sense of purpose and independence among the artisans. Their Batik is not only sold locally but also reaches bustling urban centres like Jakarta, showcasing the artistry of Gresik on a national stage. This achievement is more than economic success; it embodies cultural pride and recognition. These fabrics carry the stories of a village, woven into every intricate pattern.

With every brush of wax and colour, these women work with care and precision, breathing life into their art, documenting their journeys, values and cultural heritage. Each piece of Batik is a tangible manifestation of their resilience, creativity, connectedness and shared vision for a brighter future.

For the women, the Batik Damar Rukun programme symbolises opportunity. It brings financial independence to their families while positioning them as cultural ambassadors. PETRONAS’ involvement extends beyond skill-building; their support bridges tradition with modern commerce, ensuring this heritage carries on for future generations.

Mangroves as Guardians of Life 

Not far from the busy hands of Batik artisans, another story of hope is unfolding in Manyarsidomukti village, located 10 kilometres to the south within the same district. Under the Planting Tomorrow initiative, PETRONAS has embarked on an ambitious mission to restore mangrove ecosystems that are vital to coastal resilience and biodiversity. The ecological importance of mangroves lies in their ability to prevent coastal erosion, support marine life, and store carbon—but for the people of Gresik, these trees are also lifelines for livelihoods. 

A Day Among the Mangroves 

The work to restore mangroves is not without its challenges. Each day begins before sunrise, as villagers gather their tools and set out for the coast. Waist submerged in deep mud and water, volunteers carefully sort saplings, tie their fragile roots, and meticulously place them in baskets for safe planting. This process is an act of patience and precision, each sapling symbolising hope for the future. 

Amid the volunteers is an inspiring figure, Pak Khotib, who has dedicated his life to mangrove conservation. For his family, this mission is not merely about planting trees; it is about nurturing a legacy. Decades of conservation work have allowed them to pass on knowledge, dedication, and passion to the next generation. For Pak Khotib and his family, planting mangroves is not merely an environmental act; it is about planting hope, preserving resources, and leaving a sustainable legacy. 

Under his leadership, the mangrove forests have flourished. These lush sanctuaries now provide vital habitats for crabs, fish, and other marine life while standing strong as barriers against rising tides and shifting sands. 

The scene is a moving reflection of PETRONAS’ core belief in the power of community action. From the smallest sapling to the tallest mangrove, every tree is a testament to the collective effort of people who understand the intricate relationship between land, sea, and livelihood.

Aerial view showcasing vibrant patches of mangrove forests along the coastline of Manyarsidomukti, Gresik. This illustrates the significance of mangroves in protecting the shoreline and serving as a habitat for diverse marine life.

Interwoven Stories of Tradition and Conservation 

What sets the Batik and Mangrove programmes apart is their interconnectedness within Gresik’s landscape and culture. Although different in nature, these initiatives share a common thread of community empowerment and environmental stewardship. Together, they embody the spirit of PETRONAS’ mission to foster harmony between humanity and nature. 

By supporting Batik artisans, PETRONAS celebrates cultural heritage and provides economic opportunities, particularly for women. At the same time, their efforts to revive mangrove ecosystems safeguard the natural environment that sustains the region’s communities. These initiatives reinforce each other, weaving a story of resilience and growth. The symbolism is powerful; the delicate motifs of mangroves hand-painted on Batik textiles reflect the community’s commitment to nurturing these very trees. 

Through their work, PETRONAS ensures that the beauty of Gresik’s culture and the vitality of its environment endure side by side. Their initiatives redefine what it means to create meaningful change by extending benefits across social, economic, and ecological dimensions. 

Impact That Speaks Volumes 

The successes of the Batik Damar Rukun and mangrove rehabilitation programmes demonstrate the tangible outcomes of PETRONAS’ initiatives. 

Batik Damar Rukun has empowered women and their families through skill cultivation, enabling them to achieve financial independence and cultural recognition. Their handcrafted Batik now reaches markets in Jakarta, showcasing the unique identity of Gresik to a broader audience.

Over 30,500 mangroves were planted by more than 200 members of POKMASWAS (Community Monitoring Groups), who work tirelessly to ensure the plantations thrive. Their work directly aids more than 2,500 locals who depend on coastal resources for their income. Through these initiatives, an enduring and balanced ecosystem is being cultivated, leaving a lasting impact for generations. 

The synergy between these programmes reflects the deeper purpose driving PETRONAS’ efforts. It is not enough to save the environment; it must be done in a way that uplifts people as well. Similarly, preserving a community’s heritage must go hand in hand with ensuring its economic viability. By working with the people of Gresik, PETRONAS achieves both. 

An elder transports mangrove saplings by bicycle, embodying the community's dedication to restoring local habitats. This grassroots effort highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in environmental stewardship. Photo taken at the Manyarsidomukti village, Gresik.

Portrait of a group of dedicated female batik artisans proudly standing together, representing unity and the transfer of traditional skills. Their work enhances cultural richness and empowers women in their community. Photo taken at the Manyarsidorukun village, Gresik.

Community members actively participate in the replanting of mangroves, demonstrating their commitment to environmental conservation. Such initiatives are vital for enhancing biodiversity and protecting coastal ecosystems in Manyarsidomukti, Gresik. 

A Vision for the Future 

The collaboration between PETRONAS and the residents of Gresik represents a strong foundation for empowering communities while tackling global challenges like biodiversity loss and cultural erosion. Through Batik and Mangroves, it is shown that tradition and sustainability are not separate pathways but can walk hand in hand toward a brighter tomorrow. 

For the Batik artisans painting their stories onto cloth and the villagers restoring life to the coastline, this is not just about preserving the past or protecting the present. It is about building a legacy that will endure. These project efforts serve as a reminder that when people come together with determination and shared purpose, they can achieve extraordinary things.

Join the Journey 

The Spirit of Gresik lives on in the vibrant colours of Batik and the resilient roots of mangroves, reminding us of the power of unity and the potential for positive change. Together, we can continue to safeguard traditions and restore our environment, creating opportunities not only for today but for the generations yet to come. 

To learn more about these incredible initiatives and follow our journey in this cause, visit our website and stay updated by following our social media channels. Join us in celebrating the intertwined beauty of humanity and nature as we plant the seeds for a sustainable and inclusive future.