South Sumatra Provincial Government Utilises Mangrove Working Groups to Preserve Coastal Areas

The South Sumatra Provincial Government is striving to optimally utilise the Regional Mangrove Working Groups (KKMD) to preserve coastal areas across several regions in the province. “The utilisation of the Regional Mangrove Working Groups needs to be optimised, as they serve as the frontline in protecting the transition zone between land and sea (coastal areas),” stated the South Sumatra Regional Secretary, Edward Chandra, in Palembang on Friday.

Furthermore, the government is working to protect coastal areas and small islands from excessive exploitation by preparing the final document for the Coastal and Small Islands Zoning Plan (RZWP-3-K). He explained that according to the National Mangrove Map, South Sumatra possesses a significant mangrove area reaching over 170,000 hectares, which accounts for approximately 28 per cent of the total mangrove area on Sumatra Island. This mangrove area has seen an increase of about 1,485 hectares compared to data from previous years.

Meanwhile, the Head of the South Sumatra Forestry Service, Koimudin, explained that his department is facilitating a working meeting for the KKMD Team to implement various actions aimed at preserving coastal areas and small islands. During the meeting, the KKMD identified obstacles and issues faced, while seeking solutions to ensure that coastal preservation efforts in South Sumatra proceed according to plan.