Gorontalo Protects 23,000 Hectares of Critical Mangrove Ecosystems

RRI.CO.ID, Gorontalo - The Regional Mangrove Working Group (KKMD) of Gorontalo Province is stepping up efforts to safeguard more than 23,000 hectares of potential mangrove habitat. This initiative positions the coastal ecosystem as a critical frontline defense against natural disasters and climate-related risks.

At a revitalization meeting on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, the group began fine-tuning its administration framework and building a cross‑sectoral cooperation platform to stem the loss of mangrove cover.

KKMD leaders say the initiative is aimed at curbing the conversion of mangrove land into shrimp ponds and residential areas. This trend has weakened the region’s natural disaster mitigation systems in recent years.

According to the National Mangrove Map, Gorontalo’s existing mangrove area stood at 9,277 hectares in 2023 but declined to 8,970 hectares by 2024, a loss of 307 hectares. Despite this, the province still holds a total potential mangrove habitat of 23,072 hectares that require coordinated and sustainable management.

KKMD Gorontalo Chairperson Hoerudin underlined that the long‑term cost of ecological damage far outweighs short‑term economic gains from land conversion.

“The activity today is important as a collective effort to formulate strategies for expanding mangrove ecosystem cover and enhancing synergy and integrity across all sectors within the KKMD membership,” said Hoerudin, as quoted by infopublik.id.

Echoing that view, Head of the Bone Limboto River Basin Management Center (BPDAS), Bontour Lumbantobing, stressed that mangrove management cannot be carried out in isolation. He called for broader engagement from businesses and private parties to support concrete conservation actions.

“Mangrove management cannot be done partially. It must be comprehensive and requires the involvement of communities, business entities, and the private sector to contribute to the protection of the mangrove ecosystem,” emphasized Bontour.

The KKMD’s Decree revitalization also aligns with the Minister‑Coordinating for Maritime Affairs and Investment Regulation Number 121/2023. The updated framework strengthens the group’s organizational structure by adding new work units and teams, allowing for more effective monitoring and coordination on the ground.

The main focus will be on establishing strategic partnerships with state-owned, regional-owned, and private-owned enterprises formalized through binding cooperation agreements. This initiative aims to secure Gorontalo’s mangrove ecosystems for future generations. ***