Enviro News Asia, Brebes – The restoration of mangrove ecosystems has moved beyond an environmental agenda to become a frontline defense for Indonesia’s coastal future. Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) Moh. Jumhur Hidayat personally led a cross-sector mangrove planting initiative at Randusanga Kulon Beach in Brebes Regency, Central Java, under the banner “Planting Today for Tomorrow’s Generation,” demonstrating solid collaboration among government, the private sector, universities, and communities in support of the national two billion tree target.
“Planting mangroves is not merely planting trees, but part of a collective movement to restore the environment and protect the future. Let us strengthen collaboration so that every mangrove planted truly grows, protects the coast, and delivers benefits for communities,” Minister Jumhur said.
Mangroves play a strategic role as a natural shield for coastal areas against abrasion, tidal flooding, and storm surges, while also serving as habitats for marine life and effective carbon absorbers that contribute to climate change mitigation. According to the National Mangrove Map, Indonesia still has around 770,000 hectares of mangrove habitat in need of recovery through multi-party cooperation.
Minister Jumhur stressed that the success of mangrove rehabilitation cannot be achieved by government alone, requiring the active involvement of regional governments, universities, businesses, community organizations, environmental activists, youth organizations, religious organizations, and volunteers to ensure every tree planted grows and delivers benefits for the public.
Brebes Regent’s Deputy Wurja expressed appreciation for the Minister’s visit, saying the central government’s support serves as a source of motivation for both the regional government and the community.
“We thank the Minister of Environment for his presence in Brebes Regency. His visit is both a motivation and an inspiration for the regional government and the community to keep protecting the environment. We are committed to strengthening mangrove ecosystem recovery through sustained planting as a concrete step to protect coastal areas from abrasion and tidal flooding,” Wurja said.
The mangrove planting at Randusanga Kulon Beach is expected to serve as a model for cross-sector collaboration in supporting coastal ecosystem recovery, delivering ecological benefits through coastal protection and improved environmental quality, while also generating social and economic benefits for coastal communities.
KLH/BPLH called on all segments of society to support the national two billion tree planting target as a collective movement to restore Indonesia’s environment, strengthen ecosystem resilience, improve environmental quality, and leave a more sustainable earth for future generations. (*)
