The Balinese public is actively discussing the condition of the mangrove trees planted along the toll road in Benoa Bay for the G20 summit. Concerned locals speculated that the trees were neglected, leading to their decline. However, I Wayan Purwajaya, Assistant Manager for Risk Management, Quality, and Corporate Communications at PT Jasamarga Bali Tol, refutes these claims, stating that the company regularly maintains the mangroves.
“We genuinely care for the mangrove plantations,” he explained, noting that dead plants affected by pests, diseases, or other factors are replaced with healthy, young saplings. Planting locations are chosen in consultation with experts to ensure optimal growth.
While survival rates for the Rhizophora mucronata species are low, with only about 12 percent of saplings reaching maturity, efforts are made to improve their chances. Specialized planting techniques involve grouping saplings at specific distances, and the company has installed debris-blocking nets to protect the mangroves from trash and plastic waste.
Mangrove care is further complicated by high tides and strong winds, which can flood and damage the young trees. These mangrove groves were planted in 2022 by PT Jasamarga Bali Toll (JBT), which manages the Mandara toll road, as part of preparations for Indonesia’s hosting of the G20.
Mangroves, which thrive in shallow coastal waters, are vital ecosystems that have historically been cut down for timber, fuel, and dye materials. They require specific environmental conditions, such as a sloping shore, high tides, and brackish water, to grow. Their preservation is now crucial due to the small areas where they remain.
Sources: kumparanNEWS, Nusa Bali
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