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