Merauke, Jubi – South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo has urged residents to protect and preserve mangrove forests along the coast of Payum Beach in Merauke Regency.
Safanpo made the call while attending a mangrove planting event organised by the 11th Merauke Naval Regional Command (Kodaeral XI) at Payum Beach on Wednesday (16/9/2026).
He said mangrove ecosystems along the South Papua coast needed to be protected because few areas in Indonesia had mangrove forests as extensive as those found in Papua.
“Wise people say that the natural environment is not something we inherit from those before us, but something entrusted to us by our children and grandchildren in the future,” Apolo Safanpo said.
He said mangroves played an important role in protecting biodiversity and supporting coastal ecosystems.
“Therefore, we must protect and preserve them properly to ensure the continued survival of biodiversity and coastal ecosystems,” he said.
Safanpo said the mangrove planting was part of a series of events marking the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).
He welcomed the initiative, saying mangroves played an important role in protecting coastal areas from erosion and other environmental impacts.
Meanwhile, Kodaeral XI Merauke commander Rear Admiral Joko Andriyanto said around 1,000 mangrove trees had been planted at Payum Beach.
“Yesterday, Tuesday (15/9/2026), we planted on the left side of the beach. Today, we are planting on the right side,” he said.
Joko said that if the newly planted mangroves grew well, they could provide habitat for a range of coastal species, including crabs.
He said the presence of these species could also provide an additional source of income for people living around Payum Beach. (*)
