Director general of marine management at the ministry, Koswara, said here on Wednesday that the 56-hectare area will serve as a nursery center, ecotourism center, and eco-edu-tourism and tissue culture laboratory.
“There are 202 types of mangroves in Indonesia. We have only collected 22 of them, and the rest are scattered throughout the country,” he informed.
“Now, we’re planting 22 types of mangroves. In the future, we’ll expand until we have all types of mangroves here,” he added.
He observed that mangroves are typical coastal vegetation that have a unique morphology and a root system adapted to tidal areas, especially mud or sandy mud substrates.
As one of the main coastal ecosystems, mangroves have an important role in maintaining coastal stability, namely as habitats for marine biota, as well as absorbers of carbon and providers of natural protection from abrasion.
Related news: 4,700 ha of mangroves planted to reverse mining damage
Based on the 2024 national mangrove map, the total area under mangroves in Indonesia is recorded at 3,440,464 hectares, making it the country with the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world.
In the initial development phase, the ministry planted 40 thousand Rhizophora Mucronata (red/black mangrove) seedlings, which are known for their adaptability and high ecological value.
The Kamal Muara National Mangrove Area is planned to be developed in the 2025–2029 period through a collaborative and participatory approach.
The area is expected to provide real benefits to the surrounding community—economically, socially, and environmentally. It is also designed to set an example in coastal management practices that are resilient and adaptive to climate change, and help address the threat of marine debris.
Related news: Police HQ plants thousands of trees to commemorate Independence Day
Translator: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
