Indonesia flags 250 critical watersheds for 5-year recovery program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Forestry Ministry has designated 250 critically degraded watersheds as priority areas for restoration over the next five years to curb land degradation.

Director General of Watersheds Management and Forest Rehabilitation Dyah Murtiningsih pointed out that the ministry had identified around 4,400 watersheds as requiring immediate intervention out of roughly 42,000 river basins across the country.

"Of the 4,400 watersheds, we have decided to prioritize recovery in 250 locations over the next five years based on the parameters we use," she remarked after an event marking World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Murtiningsih explained that the government refers to three key indicators endorsed by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in assessing watershed conditions: land cover, land productivity, and soil carbon.

She added that the ministry also considers surface erosion, runoff volumes, and hydrological disturbances in river systems when evaluating watershed status.

The basins of several major rivers across Java have met the criteria for prioritization, she added, such as Serayu, Opak, Progo, Brantas, Pemali, Jrantun, Cimanuk, Citanduy, Citarum, and Ciliwung.

"These major watersheds are defined by extensive human activity involving residents, business entities, and other elements. It is crucial that they exercise prudence in activity and ensure adherence to the principles of sustainability," she affirmed.

The official then highlighted land productivity, noting that its inclusion as an indicator reflects the government's commitment to restoring ecosystems while safeguarding the social and economic welfare of local communities.

She noted that the approach has helped reduce Indonesia's critical land area from 14.3 million hectares in 2018 to 12.3 million hectares in 2024.

The progress, she continued, contributed to Indonesia's election to the Committee on Science and Technology of the UNCCD, reflecting international recognition of the country's extensive environmental rehabilitation efforts.

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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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