Preventing Abrasion, Minister Of Environment And Forestry Plants Trees On The Edge Of The Indragiri Hulu Watershed, Riau

PEKANBARU - Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) Siti Nurbaya Bakar planted tree seedlings that function as protection and soil retainers along the Watershed (DAS) in Indragiri Hulu to minimize abrasion as well as a form of environmental conservation.

The planting of tree seedlings with the types of ketapang, matoa (Pometia pinnata) and mahogany was carried out symbolically by the Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar with the Governor of Riau Syamsuar, the Regent of Indragiri Hulu Rezita Meylani, Forkopimda Inhu and local communities on the banks of the Indragiri watershed, Teluk Erong, Dagang Village, Rengat District, Indragiri Hulu Regency, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, August 13.

"Dealing with a large river like this is not an easy thing and requires considerable effort and investment as well as support," said Minister Siti Nurbaya as conveyed by the Public Relations of the Riau Provincial Government, Atan.

Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar welcomed the planting of this tree, because besides being useful for preventing environmental damage, the results of this tree such as its fruit can be used by the community.

Siti Nurbaya explained that the Ministry of Environment and Forestry together with the Ministry of PUPR continues to rehabilitate the condition of the watershed (DAS). Based on the classification, the number of watersheds maintained is 37,721 watersheds. Around 4,489 watersheds (DAS) in Indonesia are included in the recovery target.

Of the number of watersheds restored, only 180 watersheds are included in the priority for the 2020-2024 period. One of the watersheds being restored is the Indragiri watershed.

"We will continue to strive and together with the ranks of the Governor to continue to develop areas in Riau Province, including Indragiri Hulu," he said.

Siti Nurbaya Bakar also hopes that the synergy between all parties and the government must continue to be improved, considering this is important for disaster management, namely by reforesting, especially on the banks of the Indragiri River.

"Let's take this good opportunity to plant together. I see there are many people, there are Scouts, there are communities, there are indigenous peoples, there are also youth organizations, leaders, there are also activists, traditional institutions, there are also political parties, thank you for being together. Let's plant together and we cultivate this plant to protect nature," he concluded.

The Regent of Indragiri Hulu, Rezita Meylani Yopi, explained that his party had identified the abrasion of the river bank. Identification was carried out on the Indragiri river bank from Peranap District to Kuala Cenaku District.

There are 14 locations of river cliffs prone to landslides that have an impact on damage, loss, impaired access, impaired function and increase the risk of river cliff landslides, namely: Selunak Peranap Village, Baturijal Hilir Village Peranap, Pasir Kelampapan Village Lala River.

Then Pasir Sialang Jaya Village Pasir Turtle, Lake Baru Village Rengat Barat, Kampung Pulau Rengat Village as much as 2 locations, Pasir Kemilu Rengat Village, Sungai Raya Rengat Village, Tambak Kuala Cenaku Village, Pulau Gelang Village Kuala Cenaku. Teluk Sungaki Kuala Cenaku Village 2 locations, Kuala Cenaku Friday Island Village, Kuala Cenaku Bay Sungkai Village, Kuala Cenaku Friday Island Village.

"Many infrastructures have been eroded by river flows, one of which is roads. These are district roads that have run out and can no longer be passed by the community so they have to build new roads," he said.