TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) suggested coral reef transplantation must be continued as it would not damage the environment.

“Coral transplantation has been commenced since 1998, which is a collaboration between academics or researchers, the government, and private parties,” said researcher at LIPI Research Center for Oceanography Suharsono in a seminar held in Graha LIPI, South Jakarta, Wednesday, November 28.

“Results of coral transplantation has also entered the international market since 2003," he added.

Coral transplantation is one of the rehabilitation methods for coral reefs degradation in a bid to preserve the ecosystem. It helps to quicken the restoration of impacted coral reefs or build a new environment.

Read: LIPI Reports Climate Change Eventually Damages Coral Reefs

The transplantation effort would provide employment for the locals. “We can reduce the unemployment rate by carrying out the coral transplantation and absorb skilled workers,” Suharsono said.

Coral transplantation could also be used as restoration of damaged coral reefs and trade, as well as increase state’s foreign exchange. “It grows creativity and innovation to create exotic colorful reefs that have high selling value,” he added.

Based on the report issued by LIPI in 2018, only 6.56 percent of Indonesia’s coral reefs in 70 sites are in excellent condition, while the ones in poor condition are in 386 sites or 36.18 percent.

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI