Relung Indonesia participated in the Mangrove Rehabilitation Technical Guidance Program (Bimbingan Teknis/Bimtek) organized by the Ministry of Forestry on 28–29 April 2026 in Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The activity involved several mangrove Forest Farmer Groups (Kelompok Tani Hutan/KTH), namely Pasir Mendit, Kadilangu, Kebumen, Pengklek-Baros, and Bleberan, representing Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

On the first day, Relung Indonesia contributed to a training session on participatory mangrove monitoring methods. The session was delivered by Mr. Suroto, who emphasized the importance of community involvement in monitoring processes. “Mangrove monitoring must be carried out participatorily, because local communities are the ones who best understand the conditions on the ground,” he explained. He also introduced various monitoring tools, both technology-based and manual methods, which can be independently used by local communities.

The activity then continued with a collective mangrove planting action conducted in the Pasir Kadilangu Beach area. This planting initiative served as a direct implementation of the training materials while also contributing to coastal ecosystem rehabilitation efforts.

On the second day, the program focused on discussions regarding the preparation of proposals for mangrove ecosystem development and management. The session was delivered by Mr. Akhmad Arief, who guided participants in understanding the initial stages of planning. “The first step in proposal preparation is understanding the existing problems, recognizing available potentials, identifying the aspirations or goals to be achieved, and determining the ecological, economic, and social benefits that can be generated,” he stated.

The discussions were highly interactive, involving participants from various mangrove KTH groups. Participants exchanged experiences and formulated management ideas tailored to the conditions and needs of their respective regions.

Through this activity, it is hoped that communities’ technical and planning capacities in mangrove management will continue to improve. In addition, stronger synergy between the government and local communities is expected to support sustainable mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation that is grounded in real field conditions.

Contributor:
Ahwan Maulana F N