President Jokowi Praises TNI for Simultaneous Mangrove Tree Planting

President Jokowi leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the 2023 National Mangrove Plant, at the Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park, Jakarta, Monday (05/15). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (05/15) has extended his appreciation to the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) for its role in the simultaneous National Mangrove Planting centered at the Angke Kapuk Nature Tourism Park, Jakarta.

According to the President, the mangrove planting, carried out simultaneously in several regions, aims to improve the condition of mangrove forests throughout the country.

“I express my deepest gratitude to the TNI, Polri (the Indonesian National Police), all environmentalists, and environmental activists who have jointly rehabilitated our mangrove forests,” the President said in a dialogue with participants via video conference.

Rear Admiral Maman Frimansyah, the Indonesian Navy Fleet Commander II (Pangkoarmada II) for Surabaya in East Java, conveyed that the mangrove planting in the province is carried out in two regions with a total of 20 thousand trees.

“The first location has a land area of 4 hectares with 15 thousand seedlings. The second location has a land area of 3 hectares with 5 thousand seedlings as well,” Maman said in his online dialogue.

In this regard, the President reiterated that the planting activity aims to protect the coast and restore the existing mangrove forest habitat in the country.

“We want to protect our coast. We hope it can bring back its ecological function. Habitat for fisheries, monkeys, monitor lizards, and crabs. If this works, the people will also obtain economic benefits,” the President said.

In addition, Colonel Pnb. Jajang Setiawan of the Air Force at Natuna regency in Riau Islands province revealed that the planting activity is carried out along the east coast, precisely on Adi Sucipto Air Force Base Raden Sadjad Street that connects Ranai City and Penagi Old Town.

“The planted area covers 3,500 square meters with 2,500 seedlings, of which 1,000 trees have been planted since March, while 1,500 other trees are planted today,” Jajang explained.

On that occasion, Jajang expressed hope that the planting activity can protect and maintain the coastal ecosystem in the regency.

The President also reiterated that the preservation process is not just typical planting carried out at the beginning, but it takes further maintenance to yield maximum results.

“The most important thing is to take care of the plants and constantly monitor the growth so every plant seedling can live long. Do not let them stop growing for being left behind. They must be taken care of,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (RIF/MUR)