Indonesia's mangroves 12 times better in carbon absorption

Jakarta, Sept 5 (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted that Indonesia's mangrove forests, reaching 3.3 million hectares, can absorb carbon 12 times better than tropical rainforests.

The president conveyed this while spotlighting Indonesia's potential to tackle global climate change issues at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, on Thursday.

"Indonesia's mangrove forests are the largest in the world, covering 3.3 million hectares and capable of absorbing carbon eight to 12 times better than tropical rainforests," he remarked.

He noted that several people were unaware of the mangrove potential that Indonesia has to respond to the impact of climate change.

The president called on the world to not doubt Indonesia's commitment to achieving net zero emissions (NZE) and contributing to the world further.

Furthermore, he underlined that Indonesia also has vast potential in green energy, reaching more than 3,600 gigawatts.

"We also have solar power plants, floating solar power plants. The floating solar power plant in Cirata Reservoir, with a capacity of 192 megawatts peak, is the largest in Southeast Asia and the third largest in the world," he remarked.

In this regard, he underlined that all the potential that Indonesia has can be utilized optimally if strengthened with research and investment or funding from developed countries.

The ISF 2024, raising the theme of "Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Growth," is attended by eight thousand participants. The forum has five pillars: green economy, energy transition, biodiversity and nature conservation, sustainable living, and blue economy.

The forum, on September 5-6, features main sessions attended by key speakers, plenary sessions, thematic sessions, high-level dialogue sessions, the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), an exhibition, and a gala dinner.