Enviro News Asia, New York — Indonesian Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni reaffirmed Indonesia’s strategic role in global mangrove conservation during the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, May 11, 2026.
With approximately 23 percent of the world’s total mangrove ecosystem — the largest share globally — Indonesia considers mangroves a critical asset for climate action, coastal resilience, and biodiversity conservation.
Through the World Mangrove Center initiative, Indonesia called on the international community to strengthen global partnerships, expand collaboration in research and innovation, and accelerate concrete action for sustainable mangrove protection and restoration worldwide.
Raja Juli Antoni explained that around 80 percent of Indonesia’s mangrove ecosystems fall under the authority of the Ministry of Forestry. Therefore, Indonesia is committed to leading global efforts to optimize mangrove potential in supporting climate mitigation, enhancing coastal resilience, and protecting biodiversity.
“Indonesia welcomes collaboration through the World Mangrove Center to advance sustainable mangrove management at the global level. With nearly a quarter of the world’s mangroves, we want to ensure that this ecosystem becomes a key pillar in climate change mitigation and coastal protection,” the minister stated in New York.
Director General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation Dyah Murtiningsih said the World Mangrove Center was established by Indonesia as a center of excellence to facilitate knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and international financing initiatives.
According to her, the initiative also includes the development of mangrove research and restoration centers through various field observatory stations across Indonesia.
“This initiative is expected to accelerate global mangrove restoration while delivering tangible benefits for coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide,” Dyah Murtiningsih said.
Indonesia’s participation at the UN forum highlighted the country’s broader commitment not only to protecting its national natural resources, but also to driving international cooperation for sustainable nature-based solutions.
The Indonesian delegation attending UNFF21 also included senior forestry officials and Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. (*)
