Indonesia Targets 17,000 Hectares of Mangrove Rehabilitation in 2026

Indonesia is targeting the rehabilitation of over 17,000 hectares of mangrove ecosystems in 2026 as part of a broader strategy to accelerate coastal area recovery and strengthen global mangrove management. The nation holds approximately 3.45 million hectares of mangroves, representing about 23% of the world's total mangrove coverage.

According to Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki, Indonesia's vast mangrove resources represent a significant responsibility to lead in sustainable global mangrove management. He emphasized that protecting mangroves is crucial for preserving life and securing the future for coming generations. As of the end of 2025, the Ministry of Forestry, in collaboration with various partners, had already rehabilitated 91,678 hectares.

The 2026 rehabilitation efforts will expand through partnerships with organizations such as Mangroves for Coastal Resilience (M4CR), Forest Programme VI, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Nature-based Solutions for Climate-Smart Livelihoods in Mangrove Landscapes (Nasclim). These initiatives aim not only to restore coastal ecosystems but also to bolster local economies.

Past programs have demonstrated tangible benefits, including job creation for 64,386 individuals, the establishment of 63 village regulations for mangrove protection, and the distribution of Rp16.29 billion in community business grants. The accelerated rehabilitation aligns with Government Regulation No. 27 of 2025 and the National Mangrove Ecosystem Protection and Management Plan for 2026–2055, supporting green economy development through blue carbon initiatives.

Furthermore, the government is engaging 100 young individuals from the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Center, including members of Saka Wanabakti, environmental communities, and conservation cadres, to support mangrove conservation. Rohmat highlighted the critical functions of mangroves, protecting coastlines from abrasion, absorbing blue carbon, serving as biodiversity habitats, and supporting coastal livelihoods, and urged the youth to become proactive stewards of Indonesia's mangrove future.