Indonesia Promotes Global Mangrove Partnership at UN Forest Forum

RRI.CO.ID, New York - Indonesia highlighted its strategic role in global mangrove conservation during the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests at United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday May 11, 2026. The country said its vast mangrove resources make it a key player in climate action, coastal resilience, and biodiversity protection.

Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, said Indonesia holds around 23 percent of the world’s total mangrove area, the largest share globally. He described mangroves as a critical natural asset for reducing climate risks and protecting coastal communities.

Through the World Mangrove Center initiative, Indonesia invited the international community to strengthen partnerships for sustainable mangrove protection and restoration. The proposal also seeks to expand research cooperation, innovation, and practical action on mangrove ecosystems.

“Indonesia welcomes collaboration through the World Mangrove Center to advance sustainable mangrove management at the global level,” Raja Juli said in New York. “With control of nearly one quarter of the world’s mangroves, we want to ensure this ecosystem becomes a main pillar in climate mitigation and coastal protection.”

The minister said around 80 percent of Indonesia’s mangrove ecosystems fall under the authority of the Ministry of Forestry. He added that Indonesia is committed to leading global efforts to maximize mangroves for climate action, coastal resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

Director General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation, Dyah Murtiningsih, said the World Mangrove Center is designed as a center of excellence. It is intended to facilitate knowledge exchange, research cooperation, and international financing.

She said the initiative would also develop research and restoration programs through field observatory stations across Indonesia. “This step is expected to accelerate global mangrove restoration and deliver real benefits for coastal communities and ecosystems,” she said.

Indonesia said the minister’s presence at the UN forum underlined the country’s commitment not only to protecting domestic natural resources, but also to driving global partnerships for sustainable nature-based solutions. Officials from Indonesia’s UN mission and forestry agencies also joined the delegation.