Tidung Island Coral Reef Recovery Shows Solid Progress

Recent field assessments by the Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency’s maritime conservation unit (UPT PBKL) reveal promising recovery across artificial coral reef rehabilitation sites around Tidung Island.

We conduct continuous monitoring cycles

Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency’s Maritime Conservation Unit Head Andi Dala Jemma stated, baseline surveys show that live coral cover off Tidung Besar Island has reached 59.70 percent, rated as good under national marine ecological benchmarks. Across Tidung Kecil Island, coverage sits at 33.93 percent, qualifying as moderate.

“We conduct continuous monitoring cycles to ensure the transplanted corals take root, expand, and contribute to overall reef resilience,” he expressed, Thursday (10/8).

10,684 Coral Seedlings Distributed to Four Islands in Seribu Islands

Monitoring is also key to seeing how well restored corals adapt to changing ocean environments.

“Conservation isn't just about planting coral fragments. We need to monitor their resistance to sediment and rising sea temperatures so the ecosystem can truly heal,” he explained.

The underwater monitoring is executed by certified scientific divers utilizing dedicated marine survey equipment.

“Our direct underwater transects evaluate substrate composition, coral recruitment and linear growth, live coral coverage percentages, and ambient hydrological conditions around the restoration zones,” Andi detailed.

Andi added that UPT PBKL had previously distributed 10,684 coral fragments to several Community-Based Marine Protected Areas (DPL-BM) located across Tidung Island, Pari Island, Payung Island, and Lancang Island.

He stressed that keeping reefs alive takes teamwork between the state and coastal residents, especially in stopping destructive fishing.

“Empowered local communities are key. Healthy reefs mean abundant fish and new ecotourism income for islanders,” he continued.

Lah Mudin, who heads the Lestari Indah conservation group on Tidung Island, praised the agency's ongoing support.

He stated routine monitoring helps locals keep tabs on reef health and take proper care of the transplanted corals.

Lah Mudin emphasized the need for sustained administrative backing for field operations, as newly transplanted corals remain highly vulnerable and demand vigilant upkeep during their first three-year establishment window.

“We are seeing solid recovery signs on the seabed. Our community takes pride in looking after the coral nurseries and structures entrusted to us,” he stated.

Similar appreciation was expressed by Ibe, Head of Pari Island Ekopuri DPL-BM. He noted, the transplanted coral fragments have begun to firmly anchor to the substrate and are adapting well to local water currents.

"The coral seedlings are growing steadily. The direct field monitoring by the PBKL team gives us a tremendous morale boost to stay consistent in safeguarding our marine environment," he concluded.