VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Friday inspected the development of the seed and seedling center in Rumpin, Bogor District of West Java that will provide seeds to conduct reforestation in regions susceptible to disasters.

"Today, I am in Rumpin, Bogor District. This is the location of a seedling center to be developed as a nursery," Jokowi stated in Rumpin, Bogor District, on Friday.

The seedling center will be developed in an area spanning 159.58 hectares, divided into several zones: seedling zone, public zone, training zone, and business development zone.

"We are optimistic that (the nursery) would be completed in 2021 and commence production. We would produce more than 16 million seeds here," the president remarked.

The seeds will be distributed to regions prone to floods, landslides, and other natural disasters.

"In addition to its ecological function, we are optimistic that (the seeds) would offer economic benefits. I have instructed the seedling center to cultivate plants that offer both ecological and economic benefits," he remarked.

The head of state noted that in future, Indonesia will build a green economy.

"Hence, I have instructed to plant albasia, eucalyptus, mahogany, kaya, merbau, ebony, and teak and also fruit-bearing trees, such as durian," he stated.

Starting from 2021, the government will build seven nurseries throughout Indonesia.

"We will have built nurseries in Bogor of West Java, Toba in North Sumatra, Mandalika in West Nusa tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Likupang in North Sulawesi," he stated.

The nurseries will also provide mangrove seeds.

"We have planned to develop 630 thousand hectares of mangrove forests, and this will need a nursery, a seedling center, which we will prepare soon," Jokowi remarked.

The head of state reiterated that Indonesia will channel its attention on the development of a green economy.

"A sustainable economy, and we hope that it would have a larger impact on the people's economy," he asserted.

During the visit, the president was accompanied by Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and Director General of River Basin Control and Forest Rehabilitation of the Environment and Forestry Ministry Hudoyo. (Antaranews)