Trees planted by Pesanggrahan River

Trees planted by Pesanggrahan River

JAKARTA: Dozens of Jakartans helped plant fruit trees along the
Pesanggrahan River in South Jakarta on Sunday.

The river, which originates in Pangrangro and flows north to
the sea, overflows every rainy season, causing flooding in
several areas including Bintaro, Cileduk and Cipulir.

The yearly flooding is primarily caused by decreasing green
areas, which are meant to absorb water and prevent flooding.

The regreening program was organized by 100.2 FeMale Radio,
which donated 1,002 trees, with the support of the Office of the
State Minister for the Environment.

"I hope people will pay more attention to the environment
starting in their own backyards," State Minister for the
Environment Nabiel Makarim said on Sunday following the tree
planting along Jl. Karangtengah in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta.

A group of local farmers have planted over 17,000 trees along
12 kilometers of the riverside over the past 12 years.

"We received no help from the government. We thank those who
have donated trees because together we can save the Pesanggrahan
River, which is regarded as a historical site, an ecotourism site
and an educational laboratory," a representative of the farmers,
Chairudin, said. -- JP