Depok, West Java, Aug. 10 -- The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment and the University of Indonesia (UI) have launched a program to mobilize the economic value of mangroves, aimed at empowering local communities.

"Mangroves are an important point because our mangroves cover almost 20 percent of the world's total, or nearly 3.4 million hectares," said Deputy for Village, Underdeveloped Village, and Special Village Empowerment at the ministry, Abdul Haris, here on Monday.

According to him, it should be understood that mangroves can absorb carbon, while industrial activity is heavily concentrated along the coast of Java.

"The government should work with technical teams, since mangroves fall under the Forestry Ministry and the...