In the northern coastal area of Java Island, this (mitigating the coastal floodings) is actually quite a tough homework, because, as we know, the function of most of the coastal ecosystems of Java region has changed to become fishery ponds.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) encouraged all parties to preserve mangrove ecosystems along the north coastal area of Java Island to mitigate the impacts of coastal flooding in the area.

Acting Head of BNPB's Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari stated that the coastal floods in Demak District, Central Java Province, and Karawang District, West Java Province, had vast impacts, as a lot of mangrove ecosystems in the regions had been damaged.

"At this rate, we truly must be able to maintain the existing mangrove ecosystems, so that they do not decrease further, since the rate of mangrove ecosystem reduction is quite significant, especially in the northern coastal area (of Java Island)," he remarked during a virtual Disaster Briefing on Monday.

Muhari remarked that currently, the existing mangrove forests could barely prevent coastal flooding.

"Hindering the intrusion of sea water towards the land has been already quite difficult because many (fishery) ponds have been destroyed, while the mangroves behind it are not strong enough to hold the intrusion," the BNPB official noted.

According to Muhari, coastal flooding is caused by tides and inadequate condition of the coastal ecosystem to be a natural barrier to prevent the sea tides from reaching the surrounding settlements.

"In the northern coastal area of Java Island, this (mitigating the coastal floodings) is actually quite a tough homework, because, as we know, the function of most of the coastal ecosystems of Java region has changed to become fishery ponds,” he stated.

In addition, revitalization of the less productive fishery ponds into mangrove forests takes quite a long time, around five to 10 years, according to Muhari.

He noted that currently, various mangrove reforestation programs are being implemented through the collaboration of various ministries and institutions, including the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Environment and Forestry Ministry, as well as the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment.

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Translator: Devi Ramadhan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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