More than 1,500 Hectares of Rice Fields Lost in Sayung, Mangrove Recovery Must Support Residents

DEMAK, GARISBUMI.COM | Abrasion, erosion and land subsidence on the coast of Sayung, Demak Regency, have eliminated more than 1,500 hectares of rice fields and left ponds of less than 700 hectares, according to information from the Ministry of the Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH)). This pressure threatens food sources and livelihoods of coastal communities.

Facing this condition, KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) through the Java Environmental Control Center (Pusdal LH) together with the Demak Regency Government are encouraging mangrove restoration combined with strengthening the residents' economy.

GARISBUMI.com – A series of activities took place in Timbulsloko Village and Sayung Beach on 27–28 October 2026, including socialization on the mangrove ecosystem, beach cleaning, and training on mangrove crab cultivation.

Head of the Java Environment Center Pusdal, Eduward Hutapea, emphasized that coastal restoration needs to link ecosystem improvement with the community's living needs.

"We don't want people to be faced with a choice between protecting the environment and meeting life's needs," said Eduward, as quoted from the KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) statement.

The ground subsides, inundation threatens livelihoods

KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) said land subsidence in Sayung reached 7-12 centimeters per year. Meanwhile, around 6,600 hectares of the Demak area are reported to be affected by permanent inundation in 2026.