RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni underscored Indonesia’s strategic role as a global leader in conserving mangrove ecosystems during the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Indonesia holds approximately 23 percent of the world’s mangrove area, the largest share globally. The government views mangroves as a vital asset for climate action, coastal resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

Through the World Mangrove Center initiative, Indonesia is urging the international community to strengthen global partnerships and expand collaboration in research and innovation. The country is also calling for concrete action to ensure the sustainable protection and restoration of mangroves worldwide.

Minister Raja Juli noted that about 80 percent of Indonesia’s mangrove ecosystem falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Forestry. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to leading global efforts to harness mangrove potential in support of climate action, coastal resilience, and biodiversity.

“Indonesia adheres to the principle of ‘Ecology Before Tourism’ and welcomes collaboration through the World Mangrove Center to advance sustainable mangrove management globally. With control of nearly a quarter of the world’s mangroves, we aim to establish this ecosystem as a vital component in mitigating climate change,” Minister Raja Juli said in a written statement on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Director General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry, Dyah Murtiningsih, echoed this view. She explained that the World Mangrove Center was established to facilitate knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and international funding, serving as a center of excellence.

The Center’s agenda includes initiatives to establish mangrove research and restoration hubs at field observatory stations across Indonesia. “This step is expected to accelerate global mangrove restoration and provide tangible benefits to communities and coastal ecosystems worldwide,” Dyah said.

The Forestry Minister’s presence at the UN headquarters highlights Indonesia’s commitment not only to safeguarding its natural resources but also to driving global partnerships for sustainable, nature-based solutions. (Misni Parjiati)