National Bamboo Movement Aims to Restore Indonesia's Ecosystems

RRI.CO.ID, Bogor - Indonesia has launched a nationwide bamboo planting campaign aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening environmental resilience across the world's largest archipelagic nation. The initiative is part of the government's broader effort to promote nature-based solutions to environmental challenges.

The program, called the Nusantara Bamboo Planting Movement 2026, was launched by Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, at the Indonesian Bamboo Foundation in Cibinong, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, June 14 2026. The campaign forms part of the National Ecological Repentance Movement, a government-led environmental restoration initiative.

Under the program, Indonesia plans to plant tens of millions of bamboo trees from Sabang in the country's westernmost region to Merauke in its easternmost territory. The effort is designed to accelerate the rehabilitation of degraded land while improving soil and water conservation.

According to him, bamboo was chosen because of its ability to support ecosystem recovery and protect natural resources. The fast-growing plant is also widely recognized for its role in preventing erosion and improving water retention.

Jumhur stressed that environmental restoration cannot be achieved by the government alone. He said local communities must play a leading role in protecting and restoring the environment.

"The environmental movement does not belong solely to the government; it primarily belongs to the people. And this is proof of that," he said during the launch ceremony. He added that community-based environmental initiatives should continue to be encouraged and expanded.

"Activities like this will certainly continue to be encouraged, because they are already taking place in many areas, each adapted to the needs of local bamboo communities," he said. The minister noted that local participation is essential to ensuring the long-term success of ecosystem restoration programs.

As a follow-up measure, the government is targeting at least one hectare of bamboo plantation area in every district across Indonesia. Through collaboration between authorities and communities, the Nusantara Bamboo Planting Movement 2026 is expected to accelerate ecosystem recovery from Sabang to Merauke while helping safeguard the country's natural resources for future generations.