Indonesia expands mangrove rehabilitation and river waste management

Efforts to protect Indonesia's coastal ecosystems through mangrove rehabilitation and waste management are expanding. In North Sumatra, the Environmental and Forestry Service reported an increase in mangrove rehabilitation areas. Following a focus of approximately 8,800 hectares in 2023, the scope of restoration is expected to grow in 2024 and beyond. Officials are also strengthening governance to prevent the illegal use of mangrove wood for charcoal production, noting that these ecosystems are vital for carbon sequestration and supporting local fisheries and tourism.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Food Coordination and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are expanding the ‘Sungai Lestari’ (Sustainable River) program to Bali. This initiative aims to protect coastal food sources and livelihoods by preventing plastic waste from traveling through rivers into the ocean. The program focuses on waste management at the source, including sorting and recycling. In Bali, pilot projects are targeting the Tukad Badung and Tukad Mati rivers to mitigate leakage into marine environments.