Ministry of Forestry Releases 15 Waterbirds in North Jakarta's Angke Nature Park
The Ministry of Forestry released 15 waterbirds at the Angke Nature Tourism Park (TWA) in North Jakarta on Monday, as part of efforts to restore the wetland ecosystem while strengthening the function of the conservation area within an urban environment.
The release was carried out by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni together with Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki on the sidelines of the peak commemoration of National Nature Conservation Day (HKAN) 2026, which was held simultaneously with Technical Implementation Units (UPT) for Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) and national park leaders across Indonesia.
“The release is carried out to restore the ecological function of the area while enriching the biodiversity components in suitable habitats,” said Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Forestry, Satyawan Pudyatmoko.
The bird species released included the black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), which is a protected species, and the little black cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris).
Satyawan explained that the black-headed ibis is a large waterbird whose existence is closely linked to the preservation of wetland ecosystems, including mangroves and coastal areas.
Meanwhile, the presence of the little black cormorant can serve as an indicator of aquatic environmental conditions that support wildlife.
The release of the waterbirds was carried out simultaneously with the planting of dozens of mangrove stems as part of a simultaneous ecosystem restoration movement across various regions of Indonesia.
The activity also served as a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s directive regarding the rehabilitation of critical land and strengthening environmental recovery.
Satyawan explained that TWA Angke was chosen because the area is one of the important examples of a mangrove ecosystem that still survives amid the Jakarta metropolitan area.
“In Jakarta, we still have a very important mangrove area, and this must be maintained. TWA Angke is one example of how an ecosystem located in the middle of the city can still be restored and provide ecological benefits,” said Satyawan.
According to him, the selection of TWA Angke is related to the area’s function as a coastal buffer for Jakarta.
Mangrove ecosystems play a role in protecting coastlines, serving as habitats for various wildlife species, and helping to store carbon, making their existence important in facing the pressures of climate change.
TWA Angke has an area of approximately 99.82 hectares and is located in Kamal Muara Urban Village, Penjaringan District, North Jakarta.
The area is one of the remaining forest areas in Jakarta and has a management mandate as a nature tourism and education site while maintaining the mangrove forest as a green belt to prevent seawater intrusion.
TWA Angke holds significant value as an example of successful mangrove restoration. Data from the Jakarta KSDA Agency shows that mangrove land cover in TWA Angke Kapuk, which was previously very limited, has increased significantly to 70-80 percent of its total area following restoration efforts.
“Therefore, in conservation, a forest ecosystem is not only about the trees, but also the wildlife within it, which is an important component whose existence must be restored,” he said.