Malaysian Embassy, UNAS Plant 10,000 Mangrove Saplings In Indonesia

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta, in collaboration with Universitas Nasional (UNAS), launched a programme to plant 10,000 mangrove saplings in Tangerang, Banten province, as part of a joint effort to preserve environmental sustainability and strengthen Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral relations.

The one-hectare mangrove ecosystem restoration programme, themed “Planting Roots, Nurturing Friendship”, was attended by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin.

Also present were embassy staff, representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the local community.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin said the initiative, carried out along the Kampung Bahari Nusantara coastal area on Wednesday, aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme for 2025, “Inclusion and Sustainability”.

“Although today’s activity is a small step, I believe it will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability for future generations.

“May this initiative add value to the cooperation between both countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030),” he said.

He also expressed hope that the programme would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and Indonesia through environmental conservation efforts.

UNAS Rector Dr El Amry Bermawi Putera said the six-month programme, to be implemented in stages, also includes educational and social components involving students from UNAS and universities in Malaysia.

“This comprehensive participation is expected to foster a sense of responsibility and intergenerational awareness toward the mangrove ecosystem,” he said.

According to UNAS, site studies conducted since August identified Kampung Bahari Nusantara Mangrove Forest as the main location due to its high restoration potential, urgent ecological condition, and strong support from the local community and government.

The area has also been recognised as an important green zone along the Banten coastline, serving to protect residential areas and fish farms from coastal erosion.

-- BERNAMA