Heru - Jokowi Plants Mangrove Seeds to Support Conservation of Mangrove Areas

The Jakarta Provincial Government fully supports environmental preservation, one of which is mangroves in Jakarta. Hence, Jakarta Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono, accompanied President, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo to plant mangrove tree seedlings at Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park (TWA), North Jakarta, Monday (5/15).

Reforestation is very important

"Reforestation is very important not only on land, but also in waters and coastal areas. Today, I accompanied Mr. President in the peak event of the National Mangrove Planting simultaneously by the Indonesian Armed Forces 2023 held at the Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park (TWA), North Jakarta," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Tuesday (5/16).

On that occasion, they went down directly to the water to plant mangrove tree seedlings. Previously, the Indonesian Military (TNI) also did the same action at hundreds of points spread throughout Indonesia.

10,000 Mangroves Planted in North Seribu Islands

"As stated by the president, planting mangroves serves to protect our coasts from big waves and rising sea levels due to climate change," he stated.

The mangrove forest area also absorbs pollution and harmful metals, so the surrounding waters become cleaner. That's why, the Jakarta Government fully supports the preservation of mangrove areas and coastal ecosystems for the benefit of future generations.

Meanwhile, President invited all parties to protect and care for mangrove forests throughout the country.

"We have the largest mangrove forest in the world, 3.3 million hectares. That's what we have to care for. If in critical places, we replant, don't have damaged mangrove forests," he asserted.

He assessed the mangrove forest was important in restoring natural habitats, animals, and plants. For the natural habitat in TWA Angke Kapuk for instance, it has started to improve, marked by certain animals making it their habitat again.

"Because mangroves are important, they are the first to restore habitat for crabs, fish, monitor lizards, and monkeys. There are lots of birds here, and some eagles have started to come back," he explained.

Therefore, he emphasized that the process of replanting mangrove forests must continue. Besides restoring habitat, mangroves also play a role in protecting coastal areas.

"This aims to protect our coasts from the possibility that later climate change will cause sea level to rise or big waves to hold it. It is indeed the protection of nature that we need," he explained.

As for information, the planting action was also attended by Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto; Environment and Forestry Minister, Siti Nurbaya; Maritime and Fisheries Minister, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono; Cabinet Secretary, Pramono Anung; and Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency Head, Hartono Prawiraatmaja.

There were also TNI Commander, adm. Yudo Margono; Police General Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo; Army Chief of Staff, Adm. Dudung Abdurachman; Chief of Naval Staff, Adm. Muhammad Ali; and Air Chief Marshal, Fadjar Prasetyo.