Mangrove forest on Bintan island. Photo by Joshua Gebert. Indonesian

WHAT ARE MANGROVES?

Found along the coasts in tropical and sub-tropical areas, mangroves are intertidal forests home to over 1,500 plants and animals. These ecosystems hold a rich diversity of trees and animal life, particularly in Southeast Asia where one-third of the world’s mangroves are situated.

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Trees that grow here face unique conditions: flooding up to two times a day, soil low in oxygen, salty water, and in some locations, serious disturbances such as tsunamis. They have developed interesting adaptations in response: specialized roots that breathe out of water, leaves that exude excess salt, and saplings, also called propagules, that germinate on the parent tree first, before being released into the soil, therefore increasing their chances of survival.

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Demonstration of how mangroves can act as natural coastal

CONTRIBUTORS

Johanes Jamil
Leader of Orang Laut Community in Kawal, Kampung Masiran, Bintan

Johanes Jamil, widely known as Jembol, is a third-generation descendant of the Orang Suku Laut community who settled in Kawal, Bintan, and currently serves as head of the community in Kampung Masiran. Deeply connected to Orang Laut families across Bintan and Lingga, he carries forward generations of maritime knowledge, cultural traditions, and community leadership. After completing school, Johanes received a scholarship to study Religious Education and Philosophy at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta. He later returned to Bintan, where he joined the Island Foundation in 2024 as a local facilitator supporting children’s education. Passionate about culturally grounded learning, Johanes believes education should strengthen mindsets without erasing identity. Today, he teaches at learning centres across Bintan, while also working as a religion teacher, avid football player, and dedicated dancer.

Wa ode Masnia
Member of Pengudang Village, Teluk Sebong, Bintan

Kak Wa ode Masnia has been living in Pengudang since she was young. She is part of a group of women running eco-tourism activities, such as cooking workshops, to tourists. Her specialty is the dodol dessert, a recipe she learnt from her grandmother.

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Demonstration of how mangroves can act as natural coastal

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