Ministry of Forestry: Mangrove ecosystems a focus for Indonesian government and the world

The Director of Mangrove Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry, Nikolas Nugroho Surjobasuindro, stated that Indonesia’s mangrove ecosystems are a focus of attention for both the government and the international community. Speaking at a meeting in Tanjung Selor, North Kalimantan, he said this attention stems from the threat of climate change, particularly rising sea levels, which could submerge small islands and reduce land area. He noted that the Ministry of Defence has previously emphasised the essential role of mangroves in safeguarding state borders on the outermost islands, which are significantly threatened by waves and abrasion. Indonesia possesses the largest mangrove forest area in the world, covering 3.4 million hectares or 23 per cent of the global total. This vast expanse has drawn international interest, with many countries visiting Indonesia to learn about mangrove management based on local wisdom, which varies greatly between different villages and regions.