Seruyan – CIDISS. Mangrove is a plant and located on the edge of the beach. Mangrove has many benefits to humans especially to coastal ecosystems, such as abrasion defense. In addition, the existence of Mangrove also provides economic value to the community.
By the various benefits of the Mangrove, Regent Seruyan, Central Kalimantan, Sudarsono invites the community especially those living on the coast to develop mangrove in order to preserve the coastal ecosystem of the region.
Previously, he visited to Mangrove Center Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, one of the pilot locations for many areas in developing mangrove forests. In Mangrove center Balikpapan, the community has really succeeded in developing and utilizing mangrove forests not only for the preservation of coastal ecosystems, but also for tourism objects and then it has a positive impact on economic sector.
He wants mangrove in Seuyan become Mangrove center like in Balikpapan. “We want Seruyan has mangrove forest like in Mangrove Center, therefore we encourage coastal communities to develop mangrove forests independently without waiting for the government program,” he said.
Seruyan is listed as one of the districts that have the longest coastline in Central Kalimantan Province; the length is more than 100 kilometers. The development of mangrove forests can also encourage the increase of fishery productivity in Seruyan, because in accordance with its function to prevent coastal abrasion, mangrove forest also as a place to live and breed fish, shrimp and crab.
Since the launch of the “Ayo Tanam Mangrove” movement in 2015, Seruyan Regency government together with the community has planted more than 15 thousand mangrove seeds. However, the mangrove plantation is still focused in two areas, namely Sungai Bakau in Sungai Bakau Village, Seruyan Hilir Timur district and Tanjung Siamuk Beach in Sungai Undang Village, Seruyan Hilir district.
“By such a long coastline, community involvement to preserve the coastal environment is needed and the majority of Seruyan coastal communities are fishermen, therefore the mangrove area are needed regarding the availability of marine resources,” he said. (CF)