Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq led the initiative, bringing together locals and representatives from allied student executive boards in Greater Bogor to expand tree cover in Leuwiliang Sub-district on Sunday (December 21), according to a statement received here on Monday.
“Forest cover along the Cisadane River Basin remains below 10 percent, with trees covering only about 15,000 hectares of the basin’s 152,000-hectare area. This is why we need to expand the green fort. We all share responsibility to restore the river’s ecological functions through massive reforestation,” he said.
Nurofiq described the tree-planting activity as an investment in environmental sustainability, aimed at strengthening soil structure, preventing riverbank erosion, and reversing the persistent weakening of hydrological functions in the headwaters.
“Planting trees is a disaster mitigation measure that must be carried out continuously. Our initiative is intended to erect a natural fort capable of preventing abrasion and floods,” the minister elaborated.
He emphasized that safeguarding the environment is a long-term process requiring participation and consistency from all elements of society.
In the same statement, Indra Mahfuzhi, coordinator of the allied student executive boards, affirmed that college students across Greater Bogor are ready to spearhead initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability.
“The presence of Mr. Minister in the upstream section of the Cisadane River has given us a huge morale boost. We students are committed to pushing for the continuation of this action, ensuring that each tree planted grows into a fort shielding the catchment area and surrounding communities,” he stated.
Related news: Jakarta prunes aging trees to prevent storm hazards
Related news: Govt plants 216,000 trees in four provinces to tackle disaster risk
Related news: Indonesia's COP30 delegation plants trees to offset emissions
Translator: Prisca T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
