Indonesia-Japan Deepen Cooperation on Sustainable Mangrove Management

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Japan have taken a significant step forward in environmental collaboration, officially launching a joint initiative to strengthen sustainable mangrove ecosystem management.

The partnership, announced in Jakarta on May 22, 2026, is part of a three-year project aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change while supporting coastal communities.

The program, titled Capacity Development Project for Sustainable Mangrove Management as Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change, was formalized during the first Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Indonesia’s Directorate General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation on May 20.

It also involves the Directorate General of Social Forestry under the Ministry of Forestry. According to JICA, the collaboration seeks to improve mangrove management capacity while reinforcing strategic ties between Indonesia and Japan in environmental conservation.

Beyond ecological goals, the project will also promote community education, awareness, and economic opportunities linked to mangroves, such as ecotourism and silvofishery--a system that integrates aquaculture with mangrove conservation.

The initiative further aligns with Indonesia’s international commitments, including the World Mangrove Centre, a priority program for coastal conservation.

Senior JICA representative Matsuda Hiroyuki described the cooperation as historic, noting that collaboration on mangrove management between JICA and Indonesia dates back to 1992. This includes the establishment of the Mangrove Information Centre (MIC) in 2006, which was modernized in 2022.

“MIC plays an important role as a knowledge hub for sustainable mangrove ecosystem management and environmental education,” Matsuda said, as quoted by Antara.

The renewed partnership is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s coastal resilience, improve community welfare, and contribute to global climate adaptation efforts.

By combining ecological restoration with socio-economic development, the project underscores how mangrove ecosystems can serve as both a natural defense against climate change and a foundation for sustainable livelihoods. ***