Mangrove ecosystem rescue action targets critical coastal area in Semarang

A mangrove planting initiative involving farmer groups and the private sector is intensifying efforts to restore critical coastal areas in Semarang, Central Java. The commitment was realised by PT Tarunakusuma Purinusa Kapas Selection, in collaboration with the conservation organisation LindungiHutan and the Mangrove Lestari Farmers Group, through the planting of 1,000 mangrove seedlings at Mangunharjo Beach on Monday. Stefani Tanaka from the company’s CSR team stated that the Mangunharjo area is currently facing severe environmental challenges, including land subsidence and coastal abrasion that is eroding the shoreline. The programme, titled ‘Beauty Begins with Nature’ to commemorate World Mangrove Day, aims to create a balance between business growth and environmental responsibility for future generations. Mangunharjo Beach was selected due to its vulnerable coastal location. The planting of 1,000 mangrove seedlings is expected to help mitigate abrasion, improve the coastal ecosystem, and support habitats for various marine biota. Beyond coastal disaster mitigation, the greening initiative also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in climate action and coastal ecosystem preservation, as well as enhancing carbon sequestration. Mustafid, the field coordinator for the Mangrove Lestari Farmers Group, welcomed the ecosystem rescue effort, noting that mangroves serve as vital natural coastal protectors and underpin the local community’s economy. ‘For us, mangroves are not just trees; they are shields against abrasion and habitats for marine life that sustain coastal communities. We hope this collaboration can continue,’ he said. This community and private sector initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to strengthen synergy between institutions, communities, and regions in national environmental recovery programmes. The Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH) records that Indonesia’s total mangrove forest area reaches 3.4 million hectares. However, hundreds of thousands of hectares are in critical condition. Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat previously emphasised that around 700,000 hectares of mangrove areas in Indonesia are currently damaged and require serious intervention for ecosystem restoration and to increase carbon absorption capacity. ‘Out of 3.4 million hectares of mangroves, around 700,000 hectares are problematic and damaged. This is part of our shared responsibility to ensure massive mangrove replanting,’ Jumhur said.