The Memorandum of Understanding was signed to increase synergy and coordination among institutions in efforts to preserve the environment, empower communities, and develop ecotourism. Through this synergy, it is expected that the national target of 600,000 hectares (ha) mangrove rehabilitation by 2024 can be achieved. In 2021, the mangrove rehabilitation in 32 provinces reached 34,912 ha, targeting additional 181,500 ha for the 2022. Contributions from state-owned and private institutions for forest and mangrove rehabilitation by 2024 are expected to reach at least 100,000 ha.
Mangrove forests in Indonesia have the highest biodiversity in the world. There are 92 species of natural mangrove forests in Indonesia. In addition, Indonesia's mangrove forests are able to absorb 3.1 billion tons of carbon, equivalent to gas emissions from 2.5 billion vehicles a year.
The Deputy for Coordination of Environment and Forestry Management of the Coordinating Ministry for Marine Affairs and Fisheries Nani Hendiarti, Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Bambang Hendroyono, Secretary General of the Antam Novambar KKP, PTBA Director of Human Resources Suherman and PTBA VP of Sustainability Hartono also attended this event.
In her remarks, Deputy for Coordination of Environment and Forestry Management of the Coordinating Ministry for Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Nani Hendiarti, said that Indonesia has great potential related to carbon credit, especially in coastal areas. According to her, the government had a big program in mangrove rehabilitation and she emphasized the role of Social and Environmental Responsibility / CSR in community development, especially coastal communities, as part of a sustainable mangrove development program.
"Indonesia has tropical rain forests, peatlands, mangroves, seaweed. Indonesia's mangrove forests cover an area of 3.36 million ha or equal to 20 percent of the world's mangroves, in which mangroves are part of the blue carbon ecosystem," said Nani.
PTBA HR Director Suherman explained that in this collaboration PTBA not only planted but also empowered the community through building a seed center (nursery), maintenance, and providing facilities and infrastructure for the mangrove plants downstreaming program.
As a mining company holding a Forest Area Borrow-Use Permit (IPPKH), PTBA has a mandate to carry out watershed rehabilitation where implementation is in accordance with the Watershed Rehabilitation Decree from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. "In 2022, PTBA has completed the planting around 300 ha area of mangroves in the Sembilang National Park, Banyuasin Regency, and on the coast of South Sumatra," he said.
Mangrove rehabilitation is a national program that is included in the 2020-2024 National Medium Term Development Plan. This program is one of the pillars in efforts to preserve the environment, empower the community, and support the development of ecotourism around the company's operational areas.
"PTBA is grateful for being invited to be involved in national mangrove rehabilitation cooperation as part of efforts to environment preservation, climate action, community empowerment, and ecotourism development, which is in line with the company's noble purpose," said Suherman.
