East Java Mangrove Festival Highlights Climate Mitigation Efforts

The 10th Mangrove Festival of East Java was held at Pantai Panduri in Tuban on 29 July 2026. Organized by the provincial Forestry Agency, the event brought together government officials, environmental groups, academics, students and local communities to promote mangrove conservation as a strategy against coastal erosion and climate change.

Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa opened the festival, stating that “Mangrove is an environmental investment for the future. What we plant today will be a legacy for the next generation.” She emphasized the role of mangrove forests as carbon sinks and natural flood barriers. During the ceremony the province presented an award for “Support and Commitment as a Steward of Mangrove Protection and Management” to Dirham Akbar Aksara, Deputy Regent of Lamongan, recognizing the district’s efforts in preserving 135.59 hectares of mangrove, most of which lie in the Brondong sub‑district. Dirham said the award motivates continued protection of the ecosystem, which also supports the livelihoods of coastal communities. Tuban Regent Aditya Halindra Faridzky welcomed the hosting of the festival, noting the need for a “penta‑helix” collaboration among government, business, community, academia and the public to safeguard the 65 km of coastline. The festival underscored the province’s broader ambition to integrate mangrove restoration into regional climate mitigation plans.