Over three days, more than 800 trees were planted in Bali. Mahogany, nutmeg, mango, jackfruit, and champak trees were planted in Denpasar, Jembrana, and other areas. The majority of new plants appeared on the banks of the Tukad Ayung River in Denpasar and in the Mendoyo area in the western part of the island. Authorities see this not as a one-off event, but as part of a systematic effort to protect Bali from future disasters.
The importance of forests on the island became evident after the severe flooding in early September. A month's worth of rainfall fell in a single day, causing soil erosion and rapid runoff into rivers, which overflowed and flooded streets, homes, and markets. Experts say if more areas were forested, they would act as a natural buffer: the root systems would hold the soil, slow water flow, and allow it to soak into the ground.
Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed the need for ecosystem restoration, so he came to Denpasar to personally participate in tree planting. The Minister emphasized that the process of forest restoration should consider the needs of local communities, meaning that any trees, including fruit trees, can be planted. Nurofiq believes this should encourage residents to help green the island.
In Jembrana, the district head I Made Kembang Hartawan led the tree planting campaign. He explained that due to the floods, riverbanks were destroyed, and waterways were clogged with debris. Therefore, tree planting is one of the concrete steps that local authorities are taking to address the consequences and ensure long-term prevention.
The forest situation in Bali remains critical. According to the Ministry of Environment, only 3% of the catchment basins are forested instead of the necessary 30%. Authorities are preparing to impose a moratorium on converting agricultural land for construction. Meanwhile, they are inspecting rivers and all areas vital for water retention and distribution.
Ecological efforts go beyond tree planting. Minister Nurofiq instructed the Management of the Biodiversity Park (Taman Kehati) to monitor the growth of new trees and keep track of species.
"It's important for us not only to plant trees but also to observe how a new ecosystem forms," he said.
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