Students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) participating in the Humanitarian Community Service Program (KKN) carried out an environmental restoration initiative by planting 60 pucuk merah (Syzygium oleina) saplings in Seuneubok Village, Bendahara District, Aceh Tamiang Regency.

The activity was conducted as part of post-flood recovery efforts in the area, where environmental damage had affected vegetation and residential surroundings. The tree-planting initiative also followed directives from the village leadership to support greening and ecological restoration programs.

A total of 14 KKN students took part in the activity, planting the saplings along village roads and residential areas. The effort reflects the active role of higher education institutions in assisting communities affected by natural disasters through sustainable environmental actions.

The selection of pucuk merah plants was based on their suitability for local environmental conditions. The species is relatively easy to maintain and contributes to improving the quality of the surrounding ecosystem. Village head Rusli emphasized that the planting initiative is expected to accelerate environmental recovery following the flood disaster.

The planting was carried out collaboratively, involving students and local residents, fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation in rebuilding the village environment. In addition to restoring greenery, the program also aims to raise public awareness of environmental sustainability and disaster resilience.

Through this initiative, UNY reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and sustainable development, particularly in disaster-affected regions. The activity is expected to provide long-term environmental benefits while inspiring similar initiatives in other areas.

This activity contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) through ecosystem restoration and reforestation efforts; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by improving environmental resilience in residential areas; and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through community-based environmental recovery and climate adaptation initiatives.