Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) reaffirmed its commitment to expanding environmental education and protecting mangrove ecosystems through the launch of the KELANA Program (Kenali Lingkungan Bareng Anak Muda) and the screening of the documentary film “Menjaga Akar Negeri: Mangrove Indonesia untuk Dunia” on Tuesday (13/5/2026).
Minister of Environment and Head of KLH/BPLH Moh. Jumhur Hidayat stated that the launch of KELANA marked an important moment of collaboration between the government and young people in advancing broader environmental action.
“We have just launched the KELANA program, and this is a meaningful moment because it was initiated by the government while collaborating with young people. Environmental issues cannot be separated from the role of the younger generation, so we must create wider spaces for their participation,” Jumhur said.
The KELANA program was designed as a learning platform covering various environmental issues. Through the initiative, university and school students are encouraged to engage directly with local communities and transform their field experiences into narratives capable of raising public environmental awareness.
Sophie Kirana, who accompanied participants during KELANA Episode 1 in Jambi focusing on peatland and mangrove ecosystems, praised the enthusiasm shown by young participants.
“I am very proud of the KELANA Episode 1 participants. Their enthusiasm to directly engage with environmental issues is extraordinary. This program becomes a way for young people to help promote and strengthen environmental awareness together with the Ministry of Environment,” Sophie said.
KELANA also aims to develop young people as digital ambassadors capable of translating environmental issues into relevant, creative, and impactful public messages. The initiative seeks to address growing eco-anxiety among youth by transforming concern into concrete action based on real experiences and understanding.
As part of the launch, KLH/BPLH also screened the documentary “Menjaga Akar Negeri: Mangrove Indonesia untuk Dunia,” produced in collaboration with National Geographic Indonesia. The documentary highlights the strategic role of Indonesia’s mangrove ecosystems and showcases stories from coastal communities in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, and Palu, Central Sulawesi, that actively protect and restore mangrove forests.
Editorial Team member of National Geographic Indonesia, Viennanda Nur Ikhwalfi, described the documentary as a strong example of how communities can stand alongside nature.
“This is a powerful example of humanity supporting nature. We hope these practices can be replicated by coastal communities across Indonesia so mangroves can become our first line of defense in protecting the vast marine environment,” Viennanda said.
Indonesia is home to approximately 3.45 million hectares of mangroves, representing around 23 percent of the world’s total mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastlines from abrasion, preserving biodiversity, and absorbing carbon to help mitigate climate change.
“Mangrove roots symbolize Indonesia’s resilience. Today, we gather to ensure those roots remain strong, not only through policies on paper, but through real collaboration involving data, technology, and humanitarian spirit,” Minister Jumhur emphasized.
Indonesia’s mangrove protection efforts are also supported by national policies, including Government Regulation No. 27 of 2025 on Mangrove Ecosystem Protection and Management, as well as the establishment of the 2025 National Mangrove Map as a unified national data reference.
KLH/BPLH hopes the launch of the KELANA program and the documentary screening will help expand environmental movements that actively and sustainably involve young people across Indonesia. (*)
