In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to environmental stewardship, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BCA) recently spearheaded a comprehensive Green Action in Denbukit, Buleleng, Bali. This transformative project, an integral part of BCA's enduring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, took the form of a tree-planting endeavor that touched the lives of six villages.
Bearing the banner of BCA Talk's financial education program, aptly titled "Investing with Impact: Empowering Youth for Green Indonesia," the Action sought to inspire and involve the next generation. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Bedugul, Bali, the program brought together a dynamic mix of students from Udayana University Bali, cherished customers, and members of the BCA Young Community.
More than just a tree-planting ceremony, this Green Action underscored BCA's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. The event drew notable figures such as Dwi Irianti from the Ministry of Finance and I Gusti Ketut Wiguna from the Bali Provincial Environment and Forestry Office, reflecting the collaborative spirit of BCA's sustainability efforts. Hera F. Haryn, BCA's EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility, emphasized the importance of not merely planting trees but choosing species that seamlessly integrate with the unique natural conditions of the region.
For over a decade, Bakti BCA has been cultivating a green legacy, with approximately 78,000 trees taking root across Indonesia. This time, in collaboration with partners, the initiative led to the planting of 38,500 Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS) seedlings, each carefully selected for its adaptability to Denbukit's rural forest area. Beyond environmental benefits, these trees are envisioned to be catalysts for economic prosperity within local communities.
The Green Action didn't stop at the roots; it extended into the financial landscape, where BCA aimed to connect finance with environmental responsibility. The trend of 57% of individual investors under 30 years old in Indonesia's capital market reflects a growing awareness of the significance of financial planning, coupled with a heightened interest in sustainable and green investments.
In the realm of financial innovation, BCA's collaboration with the Green Sukuk Retail Government Islamic Securities (SBSN) took center stage. This strategic move saw BCA becoming a distribution partner for the Green Sukuk, designed to support environmentally friendly projects aligned with climate change mitigation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indonesia's pioneering position in launching green sukuk globally emphasizes the nation's dedication to sustainable finance.
As reservations for the Sukuk Savings Series 011 (ST011) surged to Rp3 trillion, with a notable preference for the 2-year tenor, BCA's involvement showcased not just financial acumen but a deep-seated commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values. Through initiatives like tree-planting and strategic financial collaborations, BCA is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of sustainability, proving that green investments can be both environmentally and financially rewarding.