Local Wisdom of the Surabaya Coastal Communities in Utilizing Mangrove Apples (Sonneratia caseolaris)

Sonneratia caseolaris is a type of true mangrove that is quite common to be found along the river towards the mouth of the Wonokromo River, Surabaya, Indonesia. This mangrove plant can live with changes in salinity but is more dominant in estuary areas. The fruit produced from this mangrove has a sour taste but a unique and attractive smell. From this potential, the Wonorejo mangrove community and the Faculty of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Universitas Airlangga, continue to develop syrup products from apple mangrove fruit. Syrup production activities are efforts to utilize non-timber products expected to support mangrove conservation in coastal areas, which continue to decline. Coastal communities can generate income without destroying and converting mangrove ecosystems into residential areas and aquaculture. Mangrove syrup production also supports conservation activities by donating the proceeds from selling mangrove syrup to mangrove planting activities around Surabaya. Other parties, such as the local government, universities, and private companies, also support mangrove planting activities in the coastal area of Surabaya. Syrup production activities also allow anyone to learn how to make syrup, including elementary school students, students from several universities, and other coastal communities in Indonesia. Collaboration between the Mangrove Farmers Group and the Faculty of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Universitas Airlangga, together oversee the documentation of products in simple patents (copyright) produced, such as syrup, flour, and jam. Efforts to improve product quality and diversification are also being carried out, such as adding rosella fruit extract, turmeric extract, and eggplant extract, which function as natural dyes and, at the same time, increase the value of antioxidant activity contained in mangrove syrup products.

During this workshop, together with one representative of the community, we will explain about the mangrove and the activities within the community besides the production of the syrup. We will show how to make syrup from mangrove apples and the workshop will conclude with a tasting and discussion.