Enviro News Asia, Batam — Indonesia’s Riau Islands Regional Police have planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings in Batam as part of a green policing initiative aimed at protecting coastal ecosystems and encouraging public participation in environmental conservation.
The planting took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Bale Bale Beach Mangrove Ecotourism area in Nongsa, Batam. The event was led by Riau Islands Police Chief Inspector General Suhendri, accompanied by Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Anom Wibowo, senior police officials, local police chiefs and environmental volunteers.
The initiative forms part of the Indonesian National Police’s Green Policing programme, which seeks to promote greener, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environments. It also aims to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies, local governments, environmental activists, students, fishers, community leaders and residents in protecting coastal habitats.
In his remarks, Suhendri praised the managers and residents of the Pandang Tak Jemu Mangrove Ecotourism area for transforming a previously neglected site into an ecotourism destination that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
The area’s national-level achievement in 2022 demonstrated how environmental conservation can be combined with community empowerment, he said.
Mangroves play an important role in reducing coastal erosion, absorbing carbon and maintaining the ecological balance of coastal environments. They also provide habitats and breeding grounds for various marine species.
However, planting seedlings alone is not enough to ensure long-term conservation. Continued maintenance and monitoring are essential to help the mangroves survive, grow and deliver lasting environmental benefits.
Through the programme, the Riau Islands Police called on residents to take a more active role in caring for their surroundings and protecting coastal ecosystems.
The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between authorities and communities in safeguarding mangrove forests, strengthening coastal resilience and preserving natural resources for future generations. (*)
