JAKARTA President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono distributed millions of trembesi seedlings (Samanea Saman) to local administrations on Wednesday, to be planted in efforts to protect the environment State Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta said each trembesi tree, native to Latin America, could absorb up to 28 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

""Over the next five years, these trembesi trees will help tackle climate change by absorbing emissions,"" he said.

The launch was held at the State Palace, and was attended by a number of ministers and governors. Indonesia plans to plant 1 billion trees this year.

At the recent national Christmas celebrations, Yudhoyono also distributed coconut trees and rain tree seedlings to promote environmental concerns. - JP