Jamwaktu.com – To commemorate World Habitat Day 2025, which fell on Monday (October 6th), the Jakarta Provincial Government, along with several environmental communities, students, and volunteers, planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings in the coastal area of ​​the Thousand Islands. This activity demonstrates an ongoing commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems, reducing abrasion, and supporting climate change mitigation efforts.

The planting event, centered on Pramuka Island, was attended by representatives from the local government, the Thousand Islands National Park Office, environmental NGOs, and the local community. Hundreds of participants began preparing the planting area early in the morning and attended technical briefings on how to properly plant mangroves for a higher success rate.

Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Focus

The Head of the Jakarta Environmental Agency, Rahma Wulandari, emphasized in her remarks that mangroves play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of coastal areas, which are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“Mangroves are not just plants, but natural barriers that protect our coastlines from abrasion, storms, and large waves. By planting 1,000 seedlings today, we are strengthening the ecosystem and providing habitat for various animals,” said Rahma.

Data from the Jakarta Environment Agency (DLH) shows that more than 35 percent of the Thousand Islands coastal area is experiencing mild to moderate erosion due to changes in ocean currents, human activity, and the reduction of natural vegetation. Mangrove planting is a long-term measure to improve this condition.

Multi-stakeholder Collaborative Movement

This year’s mangrove planting involved more parties than in previous years. This included not only the government but also corporations through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, environmental communities, youth organizations, and students from several schools in the Thousand Islands.

The field coordinator for this activity, Ahmad Rifai from the Blue Sea Community, stated that this kind of collaboration is key to the success of environmental rehabilitation.

“This joint movement demonstrates that environmental issues are not solely the government’s responsibility. When various parties are involved, the impact will be much greater and the program’s sustainability is more assured,” he said.

In this activity, participants were divided into several small groups to expedite the planting process. Each group was tasked with planting approximately 50 Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia marina mangrove seedlings, which were deemed most suited to the soil and water characteristics of the Seribu Islands.

Environmental Education a Key Part

In addition to the planting activity, the committee also held an educational session on the benefits of mangroves, their maintenance techniques, and the dangers of abrasion to the environment and residential areas.

Sri Anjarwati, a biology teacher from SMAN 69 Jakarta, who attended with the students, stated that this activity was important as part of real-life learning.

“The children not only learned theory in class, but also saw firsthand how mangroves work to maintain the coastal ecosystem. This experience will foster long-term environmental awareness,” she said.

The educational session also covered how to regularly monitor mangrove growth. Participants were taught how to measure plant height, check root condition, and ensure seedlings were not damaged by waves or marine debris. This education is crucial so that the planting program doesn’t stop at a ceremony but actually produces a new, optimally functioning green area.

Ecological and Economic Benefits

Mangrove ecosystems not only have ecological value but also economic value for coastal communities. Budi Santoso, Head of the Panggang Island Fishermen’s Group, explained that the presence of mangroves helps maintain populations of fish, crabs, and shrimp that breed around the mangrove roots.

“When mangroves thrive, fishermen’s catches usually increase. This not only protects nature but also helps the local economy,” said Budi.

Furthermore, mangrove areas have the potential to become educational tourism destinations. Many tourists are attracted to the mangrove conservation area to learn, take photos, or explore the tourist trails on small boats. The local government plans to develop several eco-tourism routes in the Seribu Islands to enhance the area’s appeal.

Encouraging Concrete Action for the Future

Representatives from the Thousand Islands National Park Office emphasized that the planting of 1,000 mangrove seedlings is the first step in a series of rehabilitation programs that will be carried out throughout the year. The target is to plant a total of 10,000 mangrove seedlings by the end of 2025 on various islands experiencing severe erosion.

The government also plans to involve more local residents as mangrove guardians. They will monitor growth and report on the condition of the conservation areas monthly. This approach is expected to strengthen oversight and empower local communities.

Hope for a Better Habitat

Closing the series of events, participants planted a sign reading Mangroves for Our Future as a symbol of hope for continued coastal rehabilitation efforts. Although the challenges of climate change are increasingly complex, activities like this demonstrate that community collaboration can bring about real change.

World Habitat Day 2025 is an important moment to remind us that healthy habitats are the foundation of human life. By planting mangroves in the Seribu Islands, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to maintaining ecosystem sustainability, protecting the coast, and building a safer and more sustainable future for future generations.