Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti said in Semarang on Friday that her administration has ordered 4,000 mangrove seedlings to be planted by the end of August 2025.
“The target is 10,000 mangroves. However, since we purchase them from nurseries, the process must be gradual. By the end of August, we can plant 4,000, and hopefully, by the end of September, we can add more,” she explained.
According to her, planting mangroves is highly effective in preventing coastal abrasion and seawater intrusion, both of which have long threatened coastal areas. Mangroves also serve as habitats for various fauna, helping maintain the balance of the coastal ecosystem.
Two mangrove species will be planted in Semarang’s coastal areas: Rhizophora mucronata, commonly known as mangrove, and Avicennia marina, or white mangrove. The latter can be processed into flour, while the former can be used as a natural dye.
“This proves that mangrove trees not only benefit the environment but can also help drive the local economy,” she said.
Agustina previously reaffirmed her commitment to mangrove planting during the Mangrove Planting Literacy event, which coincided with the 64th Scout Day commemoration in Tugurejo on Thursday, August 14.
She praised the initiative, noting that it could inspire more people to take part in the mission to protect Semarang’s coastal areas.
“This is a good, short learning session. We hope the children will go to the library afterward to browse more information, and even better if they join in replanting efforts,” she added.
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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Primayanti
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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