Indonesia is the largest archipelago country in the world consisting of 17,508 islands. In 2019, it has been confirmed that about 24 islands in Indonesia have disappeared because of natural or man-made disasters. The 24 islands are decimated by the tsunami, abrasion as well as uncontrolled sand mining activities. It is really regretted and about 2,000 other islands in the country are also threatened to drown due to the increasingly widespread abrasion. This statement was disclosed by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Mr. Freddy Numberi.
We immediately took part to contribute in the rescue of the islands in Indonesia. In collaboration with Indonesia Conservation Forum (FK3I), mangrove planting in ecotourism forest at Pantai Indah Kapuk is a step that will take in commemorating Earth Day 2018. This activity is believed to be of great benefit to the 40-50% of Indonesians living in coastal areas, especially to prevent abrasion, tsunami, and the imposition of sea water to the mainland.
The mangrove planting activity is decided purposely to be conducted on 22 April 2018 to help save our beloved earth where we live in because mangrove tree is known as a plant that lives at the intersection between land and sea, this amphibian plant can support many lives at once and provide important uses for living things others, from starfish to human being. Mangroves are also known as a shelter for coral reefs.
There are 7 mangrove forests in Indonesia; Muara Angke mangrove forest in Jakarta, Rembang mangrove forest and Tugurejo Tapak mangrove forest in Central Java, Tarakan mangrove forest in East Kalimantan, Margomulyo mangrove forest, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Kampoeng Nipah mangrove forest in North Sumatra and Mangrove forest Wanasari in Bali.
“Maybe not everyone knows that mangrove has fruit and this fruit is a favorite food for long-tailed monkeys known as Macaca fascicularis. This type of monkey has the ability to adapt quickly to environment and can be considered as friendly monkey but it is agresive sometime to the presence of human being. So if we visit to this mangrove forest in Pantai Indah Kapuk, do not be surprised if you will meet Macaca, the name given people to this monkey in this area”, said Aris Safari as Region Coordination for Indonesia Conservation Forum (FK3I).
