Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Jumhur Hidayat, stated that approximately 700,000 hectares of mangrove forests in Indonesia require restoration as part of efforts to protect coastal ecosystems and enhance carbon absorption.
“Of the 3.4 million hectares of mangroves, around 700,000 hectares are problematic and degraded. Restoring these areas is also part of our commitment to ensuring the replanting of mangroves,” Jumhur said at the Indonesian Bamboo Foundation in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, as quoted by Antara on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
According to him, the government continues to promote mangrove rehabilitation programs across various regions and not only in the lead-up to National Mangrove Day, which is commemorated annually on July 26.
“Mangrove planting initiatives are taking place in many areas, and we will continue to encourage them,” he said.
Jumhur explained that mangroves play a significant role in climate change mitigation because of their ability to absorb carbon dioxide at a much higher rate than most other types of vegetation.
“Mangroves can provide benefits that are four times greater than ordinary plants when it comes to absorbing carbon dioxide,” he said.
In addition to their ecological function, he noted that mangrove ecosystems also generate economic benefits for coastal communities through a wide range of productive activities that depend on healthy mangrove habitats.
“When mangroves are in good condition, many economic activities can thrive. These include crab and fish cultivation, food production, and many other opportunities,” he said.
For that reason, Jumhur called on all stakeholders to protect mangrove areas from damage caused by development activities and other factors.
He added that if development projects require the reduction of mangrove areas, replanting should be carried out on a larger scale to compensate for the loss and maintain ecological balance.***
