IMS

On August 21, 2019, the Indonesian Mangrove Society (IMS) was officially established in Purwokerto, Central Java, with Dr. Sahat M. Pangabean being chosen as the organization's inaugural chairman. The society was founded following numerous meetings and discussions between scientists from various universities, the government (including the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries), representatives of the provincial governments, activists, and NGOs from all regions of Indonesia. The International Conference of Mangroves and its Related Ecosystems 2019 (ICoMIRE 2019), which is being hosted by the Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, is the occasion for the discussions and conferences.

IMS is available to those who are interested in mangrove protection, education, community service, and a range of other activities related to the development of coastal communities' livelihoods. There are now 254 active members of IMS, and most of them are member of International Society for Mangrove Ecosystem (ISME). 

The IMS aims to: 1) accommodate academics, researchers, nongovernmental organizations, communities, the private sector, and observers as well as the government in mangrove management in Indonesia; 2) assist in managing the mangrove ecosystem; 3) educate people concerning the functions, benefits, and management of mangrove resources; 4) foster collaboration and networking through scientific meetings, mass media, and other mechanisms. 

Activities already being implemented are: 1) providing an input to the government in formulating public policy in mangrove management programs, 2) conducting the online scientific seminar on mangroves.