Jakarta Encourages Regional Governments to Lead in Mangrove Protection

The Ministry of Environment in Indonesia is encouraging regional governments to take the lead in protecting mangrove ecosystems, highlighting the importance of collaboration in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. The 7th East Java Mangrove Festival, which included the planting of 17,845 mangrove propagules, was hailed as a symbol of this collaboration. The festival was attended by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and officials from the Ministry of Environment.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ministry of Environment is promoting Government Regulation Number 27 of 2025 on the Protection and Management of Mangrove Ecosystems, encouraging regional governments to take a leadership role in mangrove conservation.
• The 7th East Java Mangrove Festival featured the planting of 17,845 mangrove propagules and was attended by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and officials from the Ministry of Environment.
• East Java is home to 30,839.3 hectares of mangroves, accounting for 48.38% of the total mangrove area on Java Island.
• The province's mangroves support a carbon stock of 432-609 tons per hectare, making it a natural laboratory for climate research.
• The East Java Provincial Government and East Java Governor are being recognized for their contributions to mangrove management and conservation.
• Several threats to mangrove ecosystems in East Java include coastal abrasion in Lamongan and Tuban, urbanization in Surabaya, and plastic pollution.

Statistics:

• Indonesia has a total of 3,440,464 hectares of mangroves (2024 National Mangrove Map).
• East Java has 30,839.3 hectares of mangroves, accounting for 48.38% of the total mangrove area on Java Island.
• The Bahak Beach area in East Java is estimated to have a carbon stock of 432-609 tons per hectare.

Sources:

• Ministry of Environment statement on August 20
• 2024 National Mangrove Map
• East Java Government Press Release on August 20