The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to develop a mangrove forest area in Penjaringan Sub-district, North Jakarta, into the Jakarta Mangrove Botanical Garden.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said North Jakarta has approximately 50 hectares of mangrove ecosystems that could be developed into a conservation and educational area.

"The area has around 50 hectares of mangroves, and they are in fairly good condition. The Jakarta Provincial Government will soon submit a proposal to the central government to designate the area as the Jakarta Mangrove Botanical Garden," Pramono said after chairing a limited meeting in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, on Friday (11/6).

Through the Jakarta City Parks and Forestry Agency, the provincial government will first coordinate with the central government and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on the development of the site.

The Jakarta Mangrove Botanical Garden is envisioned as the city's first botanical garden, serving as a public education facility and supporting environmental conservation efforts.

"Jakarta does not yet have a botanical garden. With the establishment of the Jakarta Mangrove Botanical Garden, we will improve its facilities so students who want to learn about mangroves, plants, and other related subjects will not have to travel elsewhere. They can simply visit the Jakarta Mangrove Botanical Garden," he noted.

Pramono hopes the proposal and development process can be completed next year, making the botanical garden a special gift for Jakarta's 500th anniversary.