Indonesia’s Mangrove Push: 40,000 New Green Jobs or a Corporate Land Grab?

Indonesia’s government is pushing a large-scale mangrove rehabilitation program, with top ministers arguing that restoring these coastal forests is essential for both food security and economic growth. Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has warned that failing to restore mangroves will directly hurt the country’s fish catch, as mangroves serve as nurseries for fish and shrimp, providing food and shelter for young marine life. Without healthy mangroves, fish populations decline, threatening the livelihoods of millions of fishermen and the nation’s food supply [204533][204558]. Trenggono has called for faster action to replant and protect these ecosystems, urging stronger collaboration between government agencies and local groups [204533][204558].

Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat has framed the effort as more than environmental restoration—he says it is a foundation for green economic growth. He argues that healthy mangrove forests can boost local economies by protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries, and absorbing carbon up to four times faster than rainforests [204563][204564]. By restoring these areas, the government aims to create new jobs in eco-tourism and sustainable resource management, positioning mangroves as a key asset in Indonesia’s climate strategy [204564]. Officials expect the program to attract investment and improve livelihoods for coastal communities, though no specific timeline or budget has been provided [204563].