In Jambi, erosion continues to threaten shorelines in East Tanjung Jabung regency, at the rate of 2 kilometers per year, threatening residences and plantations, local officials have said.

Most of residents in its seven districts across the regency, such as Sadu and Nipah Panjang, live in coastal areas.

Sadu district head Helmi Agustinus said that eight villages and their residents were threatened by coastal erosion.

“The condition is very severe. Labuhan Pering village and Cemara village were settlements and plantations. Now, they are under the sea,” Helmi said on Friday.

In its bid to stop further erosion, East Tanjung Jabung Environmental Agency chief Gustin Wahyudi said the regency would start to plant mangroves next year.

“Next year, East Tanjungjabung administration will focus on anticipating the continuing coastal erosion, one of the ways to do so is by planting mangroves along the coasts,” Gustin said.

He added that the regency would also coordinate with the Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the River Basin Area Management Center (BPSDA) in natural conservation areas in East Tanjung Jabung.

Helmi said that planting mangroves was an option, however, breakwaters needed to be installed.

“Otherwise the planted mangroves will be useless because they will be washed away by the tide and waves,” he said. (ami/ipa)