A new study led by Kevin Muhamad Lukman—affiliated with the Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran—alongside co-authors from institutions such as the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo, investigates how Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from mangroves can serve as sustainable alternative livelihoods in Muara Gembong, Bekasi Regency, Indonesia. Working with local community groups POKDARWIS Alipbata and Kebaya, the research utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and SWOT analysis to assess products like mangrove chips, crackers, confectionery, juice, and syrup derived from sustainably harvested mangrove leaves and fruits. The study highlights strong community engagement and unity as key strengths, while pointing to challenges in infrastructure, communication, market access, and the looming threats of environmental disasters and illegal logging. Importantly, the research also uncovered opportunities to expand mangrove planting and develop ecotourism in the region. This community-based approach advances several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through enhanced ecosystem protection, blue-carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation; as well as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting food security, income diversification, and local economic resilience. The findings suggest that fostering capacity-building, infrastructure improvement, equitable benefit-sharing, and diversification of mangrove-based products can ensure long-lasting community motivation and synergize conservation with sustainable livelihoods—not just in Muara Gembong, but as a model for coastal communities more broadly.