Learning About Mangrove Management in Johor

The Indonesian delegation—Yayasan Gambut, Sekat Bakau of Buruk Bakul, the Makmur Jaya Women Farmers’ Group of Temiang, Bahtera Melayu, the Buruk Bakul Village Government and the Bukit Batu District Head—at the Pulau Tanjung Surat jetty

This study visit formed part of a programme organised by Global Environment Centre (GEC) and Aramco Asia Singapore. Held over 5 days, from 29 November to 3 December 2023, it aimed to introduce the Yayasan Gambut (YG) team and the Sekat Bakau Community Group (SBCG) from Buruk Bakul to community-based organisational management and development in mangrove ecosystems. Learning activities took place on Pulau Tanjung Surat and in Parit Kasim, where GEC-supported groups have been addressing local environmental challenges and developing sustainable livelihoods.

Sharing Organisational Management Experience with Sahabat Hutan Bakau Pulau Tanjung Surat

The Indonesian delegation’s first stop was Pulau Tanjung Surat. The Sahabat Hutan Bakau Pulau Tanjung Surat (SHBPTS) group shared valuable experience in group management, financial administration and diversifying local economic opportunities.

The Indonesian delegation at a mangrove rehabilitation site managed by Sahabat Hutan Bakau Pulau Tanjung Surat

During an active exchange, delegates asked about SHBPTS’s experiences and challenges in applying the organisational management knowledge received from GEC, as well as mangrove planting techniques and village tourism involving multiple stakeholders. SHBPTS Chair Badariah shared practical, first-hand experience of mangrove conservation and restoration and encouraged members to take initiative within their organisations.

R. Nagarajan of GEC explained that the visit focused on observing successful mangrove conservation and restoration efforts that could inspire projects and initiatives by Sekat Bakau. It also explored how environmental management can support village tourism and introduced SHBPTS’s visitor products, highlighting the potential for community-based tourism and local products to contribute to economic development.

Aramco Malaysia representatives Siti Sahidah Mohit and Lenny Hartini Apandi also attended. In brief remarks, Siti Sahidah said their presence and support demonstrated the importance of collaboration and partnerships between organisations in achieving shared goals.

The Indonesian delegation with SHBPTS, GEC and the Penghulu of Mukim Tanjung Surat before planting 200 mangrove seedlings

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Tok Haziq Zakaria, Penghulu of Mukim Tanjung Surat, representing the Kota Tinggi District Office in Johor, Malaysia. This was followed by the planting of 200 Rhizophora mucronata seedlings, locally known as Bakau Kurap.

Participants after an eco-printing session led by Tuti Kelana, Chair of the Makmur Jaya Women Farmers’ Group in Temiang

Tuti Kelana, representing the Indonesian delegation as Chair of the Makmur Jaya Women Farmers’ Group, shared her knowledge of extracting natural colours from materials found around mangroves, including fallen leaves and shrubs. She demonstrated patterned fabric production using eco-printing techniques and these natural materials, presenting an additional product that could generate income for SHBPTS.

Addressing Coastal Degradation in Parit Kasim, Muar

The delegation then travelled to Muar, Johor, where participants enjoyed local fish dishes sourced from the area’s fisheries. They were welcomed by Musa bin Ali, Chair of the Parit Jawa Mangrove Community.

Mohd Afezan bin Yahya, Penghulu of Parit Jawa, spoke on behalf of the Muar District Office. He expressed pride that the community’s efforts had attracted visitors from a neighbouring country, providing further encouragement to continue protecting local mangrove ecosystems.

The Indonesian delegation touring the Parit Kasim mangrove tourism area with members and the Chair of the Parit Jawa Mangrove Community and the Penghulu of Parit Jawa

Delegates followed the established trail through the mangrove area. R. Nagarajan of GEC explained the degradation experienced by the local coastal mangrove ecosystem over the preceding 10 years. Continuing erosion had led to the loss of mangrove plants in affected areas.

R. Nagarajan of GEC explaining coastal damage in Parit Kasim and its effects on mangrove vegetation

With support from GEC, the Parit Jawa Mangrove Community has undertaken restoration and rehabilitation by creating channels that allow salt water to reach areas requiring tidal inundation, enabling suitable mangrove species to be replanted.

The Indonesian delegation with GEC, the Penghulu of Parit Jawa and the Parit Jawa Mangrove Community

Facilities in the mangrove area have received government support, with active participation from the Parit Kassim Community Club and the Penghulu of Parit Jawa. R. Nagarajan emphasised the importance of collecting baseline data before rehabilitation to reduce the risk of mistakes. Delegates learned about local challenges and ongoing rehabilitation methods, including tidal channels and planting techniques. Community efforts to provide facilities and economic opportunities for members offered further lessons for the delegation.

Mulyadi, Director of Yayasan Gambut, sharing reflections in Parit Kasim

In his remarks, Mulyadi said he hoped the study visit would motivate and inspire Sekat Bakau and provide new insights for every Indonesian participant. He reflected that the gathering had been made possible by mangroves themselves, bringing people together through a shared vision of sustainable coastal environments and a commitment to conservation.

Alongside Yayasan Gambut staff and Sekat Bakau members, participants included the Head of Buruk Bakul Village, the Bukit Batu District Head, 2 representatives of the Makmur Jaya Women Farmers’ Group (KTWMJ) from Temiang and 2 representatives of Yayasan Bahtera Melayu, a local NGO in Bengkalis Regency.