President Jokowi Encourages All to be More Environmentally-Friendly

President Jokowi shows vetiver grass after inspecting Jatisari Village Seedling Farm, Jatisrono District, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province, Saturday (15/2). (Photo by: PR / Agung).

In a bid to improve environmental preservation, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo encouraged all to become environmentally-friendly.

“We should be friendly to the environment and nature,” President Jokowi said after inspecting Jatisari Village Seedling Farm, Jatisrono District, Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province, Saturday (15/2).

President Jokowi went on to say that Gajah Mungkur Reservoir in Wonogiri Regency which has been built in 1982, has a capacity of 3.2 million cubic meters of sediments. The Reservoir made from dredged sediments, yet the structure is reappeared since the sediment surface at the upstream side is never taken care of.

“This is what we want to preserve. After four months, we only need to share these sengon (silk trees) to the residents,” the President said.

According to the President, sengon (Albizia chinensis) trees are beneficial for the residents both from the economic and environmental values since the trees can become the main alternative raw material and its roots can protect upstream area.

“There are several fruit plants provided, including durian, soursop, and longan fruit. However, the most important plant is vetiver. So, this is the combination of sengon, ambisia, and vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) plants,” the President said.

On vetiver plants planting, President Jokowi said that it should be planted in steep areas, landslide-prone areas, and in upstream areas so that its roots can bind the soil.

“Governor of West Java has requested 50 million vetiver plants yesterday since there are many landslide areas there. I do not know yet how many vetiver plants needed by Governor of Central Java Province,” the President continued.

The President further said that he has ordered the environmental forum of watershed (DAS), forestry, and public works to not dredge the sediment every year so that the upstream area could be reforested.

“We will plant the seeds in several planting points,” the President added.

Also present during the event were, among others, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Governor of Central Java Province Ganjar Pranowo. (EN)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani