11 Hectare Pine Tree Forest in Agam Damaged by Sea Abrasion
15 August 2018 11:34 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - West Sumatra`s Agam District fishery and food security agency revealed that around 11 hectares of the pine tree (Casuarina equisetifolia) forest across the Tanjungmutiara sub-district coastline have been damaged by abrasion caused by the high tides striking the region in July 25.
According to the agency’s Head Ermanto, the damaged areas are spread across South Tiku (one hectare) and Tiku Lima Jorong (10 hectare) affecting two-meter trees that are two-to-three years old.
He maintained that the losses cannot be realistically calculated into figures since the maintenance costs itself has taken a large chunk of the region’s budget. However, its seeds are affordable since it’s sold for Rp5,000 per stem.
The agency suggested the West Sumatra administration to immediately replant new pine trees throughout the Tanjungmutiara coastline covering 43 kilometers.
“Hopefully our proposal will get relocated to the West Sumatera provincial government so that the existence of the pine trees can protect residents from strong winds,” said Ermanto.
Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Head of Agam’s emergency and logistical department Wahyu Bestari acknowledges that the area is prone to abrasion and reminds residents not to build building structures across the coastline.
ANTARA