Enviro News Asia, Bontang – The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission IV conducted a recess working visit to Bontang Mangrove Park (BMP) in Bontang City, East Kalimantan, on Monday (August 11, 2025).
The delegation, led by Deputy Chair of Commission IV, Panggah Susanto, was welcomed by the Director of Environmental Services Utilization at the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), Nandang Pribadi; Director of Mangrove Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry, Ristianto Pribadi; and Head of Kutai National Park, Syaiful Bahri.
The visit began with an inspection of the mangrove area, followed by a strategic discussion on conservation area management, and concluded with the planting of high-carbon-absorption endemic tree species from Kalimantan as a tangible contribution to emission reduction.
According to Syaiful Bahri, the development of Bontang Mangrove Park has received support from the local government and collaboration with partner companies of Kutai National Park.
The increasing number of visitors each year has boosted Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) and stimulated the local economy.
“However, Kutai National Park still faces challenges in managing damage such as deforestation, forest fires, illegal logging, and wildlife poaching,” said Syaiful Bahri in an official statement from the Ministry of Forestry.
To address these issues, steps are needed to strengthen conservation areas through law enforcement, mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation, access management, community empowerment via education-based ecotourism, and enhancement of research functions and field staff capacity.
In his remarks, Panggah Susanto emphasized that mangrove conservation is a primary focus of Commission IV, as Indonesia holds the largest mangrove potential in the world with high carbon absorption capacity.
“BMP is among the best mangrove forest areas I have encountered. Bontang is a real example of collaboration between government, communities, and businesses in restoring, managing, and sustainably utilizing mangrove potential. This model should be applied in other regions,” he stated.
Also in attendance was East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, who expressed appreciation for the conservation efforts at Bontang Mangrove Park.
He also proposed the innovative planting of paulownia trees to enhance carbon absorption while offering high economic value as a renewable energy source. (*)
