Mangrove to be replanted along coast

Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung

Stunned by the impact of the deadly tsunami in Aceh, Minister of Forestry Malam Sambat Kaban is planning to reforest 600,000 hectares of depleted mangrove forest throughout the nation over the next five years.

The program is aimed at mitigating destruction by tsunamis in coastal areas.

"The 600,000 hectares of depleted land are 20 percent of three million hectares of mangrove forest throughout the nation, mostly located along the north coast of Java and the west coast of Aceh," Kaban said during a planting ceremony on Mount Sumbul, Sumedang, West Java.

A mangrove forest acts as a natural barrier between seawater and residential areas, as experience in other countries has shown.

"The tragedy in Aceh has reminded us that we should introduced precautionary measures in order not to let it happen again," said Kaban.

He said that until recently, regreening programs were mainly conducted along riverbanks and in forests. "But, the deadly impact of the tsunami has opened our hearts and minds that the mangrove forests should also be regreened," said Kaban.

Kaban said his ministry had earmarked Rp 800 billion (US$88.8 million) for the mangrove forest regreening program. More money will be channeled to the program if needed.

"We are still calculating precisely how much is needed to complete the program. We expect it will be around Rp 800 billion," said Kaban.