President Jokowi Calls On Public to Protect Mangrove Forest

President Jokowi at the National Mangrove Planting Event by the TNI Ranks throughout Indonesia in 2023, in the Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park, Jakarta, Monday (05/15). (Photo: Agung/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo invited all parties to protect and care for mangrove forests throughout the country.

He coined the statement when attending the National Mangrove Planting by the Indonesia National Defense Forces (TNI) throughout Indonesia in 2023, at the Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park, Jakarta, Monday (05/15).

“We have the largest mangrove forest in the world—3.3 million hectares. It is the largest in the world. We have to take care of it, to protect, to replant the trees in critical places; so that no mangrove forests are damaged,” stated the President.

The President went on to say that the mangrove forest is important in restoring the natural habitat of animals and plants. According to him, the natural habitat at Angke Kapuk has started to improve which is marked by the presence of eagles that have started to return.

“Mangroves are important. They are the ones that can restore the habitat of crabs, fish, lizards, monkeys. There are also lots of birds here and the eagles have started to live here again,” he said.

Therefore, President Jokowi stressed that the process of replanting mangroves must continue to be carried out because apart from restoring habitat, mangroves also play a pivotal role in protecting coastal areas.

“I think the activity of replanting mangrove forests can continue (in other areas),” said the President, adding that mangroves can also protect coastal areas from the damage of climate change as they can hold big waves and sea level rises.

“This is indeed the natural protection we need,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (EST/HD)