Enviro News Asia, Bogor – The Ministry of Forestry, in collaboration with various stakeholders, planted approximately 50,000 tree seedlings to green around 200-300 hectares of the Puncak Bogor area, specifically in Naringgul and PTPN Ex-Warpat Puncak Bogor, on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Puncak, Cisarua, in Bogor Regency, was chosen as the planting site because it serves as an upstream region that supports water availability and regulates water systems in Jakarta Special Province, West Java, and even Banten Province.
“Reforestation efforts will continue consistently,” said Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni while planting a tree. Also participating in the event were West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, officials from Bogor Regency, and various community groups.
Over the past five years, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded a significant increase in hydrometeorological disasters, with more than 5,500 disaster events occurring in 2024. In early 2025, several regions in Indonesia experienced floods and landslides, including the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabekjur), due to land-use changes that have led to the degradation of river basin ecosystems.
This tree planting effort is not only being carried out in the upstream area of the Ciliwung River Basin (DAS) but will also be simultaneously implemented in the Bekasi River Basin and the upstream area of the Cisadane River Basin. The initiative will take place year-round and will be carried out collaboratively by forestry agencies at both central and regional levels.
The tree species planted include mahogany, salam, guava, and manglid. These species were chosen because of their deep root systems, which enhance water absorption, prevent erosion, and provide economic benefits to local communities.
West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasized that planting trees is a fundamental duty of all inhabitants of the Earth, including the people of West Java. He stated that West Java adheres to the “tree ideology,” considering trees as the source of life. “The key point is that the entire ecosystem area must be preserved,” said Governor Dedi Mulyadi.
The governor also reminded the public that recent flooding incidents should be seen as a sign from God, urging people to repent. “I call it ‘ecological repentance.’ It means that today, we must be aware and courageous enough to take significant actions to reopen the soil’s pores from various constructions and concrete. This is part of an ongoing policy framework,” he explained.
