In the context of accelerating mangrove rehabilitation, the media can take the role to inform and fulfil the people's rights to know
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The press plays an important role in accelerating mangrove rehabilitation through ways, such as providing objective information to the community, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar stated.

"In the context of accelerating mangrove rehabilitation, the media can take the role to inform and fulfil the people's rights to know. We urge that if there is a disaster, every village head and sub-district head must report it as stipulated in Article 6 of Law Number 40 of 1999 regarding the Press," she noted in the "Workshop for the Acceleration of Mangrove Rehabilitation" event held here on Thursday.

Bakar emphasized that the press can provide objective information to raise public awareness, so that corrective steps can be taken immediately.

She also explained that the press can play a role in social control through giving constructive criticism and inputs while also being involved jointly, such as in forest and land rehabilitation activities, including mangrove rehabilitation.

In the event held by the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), which was also part of the 2022 National Press Day (HPN) agenda, she noted that the mangrove rehabilitation process should not only cover planting efforts but also draw attention to the landscape areas.

According to the 2021 National Mangrove Map, Indonesia's mangrove land reaches 3,364,080 hectares comprising 2,661,281 hectares within the forest area and 702,799 hectares outside the forest area.

Some of the mangrove ecosystems have been damaged due to land conversion, encroachment, pollution and unsustainable cultivation practices. These have caused the deforestation of coastal ecosystems and decreased water quality and pollution.

Due to its broad impact, the minister emphasized that it is essential to protect and manage the mangrove ecosystem wisely and sustainably.

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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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