KLH launches ‘ecological repentance’ drive to restore mangroves
The 2026-2028 program is being pushed after 700,000 hectares, or 30% of Indonesia’s mangroves, were found damaged.
The Ministry of Environment has launched a national “ecological repentance” drive through mangrove rehabilitation, focusing on the 2026-2028 period. Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat outlined the move after planting mangrove seedlings in Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara Barat, on Tuesday, as part of efforts to repair environmental damage and strengthen coastal resilience. Ministry data show about 700,000 hectares, or 30% of Indonesia’s total 3.4 million hectares of mangroves, have been damaged. KLH said mangrove restoration is important because their carbon absorption capacity can be four to five times greater than ordinary trees, while also protecting coastlines from erosion, high waves and seawater intrusion. Jumhur also highlighted Freeport Indonesia’s commitment to rehabilitate about 12,000 hectares of mangroves, including 10,000 hectares in Papua and 2,000 hectares outside Papua.