Enviro News Asia, West Bandung— Indonesia is promoting a new development approach that seeks to combine economic growth with environmental protection, rather than sacrificing natural resources for economic expansion.
Environment Minister and Head of the Environment Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) Moh Jumhur Hidayat delivered the message during an environmental discussion and tree-planting activity at Rongga Budaya, Dusun Bambu, West Bandung, West Java, on September 29, 2026.
“We are moving into a new civilization. In the past, development often came at the expense of the environment. Now, we must develop while protecting the environment and grow the economy while preserving nature,” Jumhur said.
Ecotourism and Circular Economy
Jumhur identified ecotourism as one example of an economic activity that can generate benefits for communities and businesses while supporting environmental conservation.
“The government is very serious about promoting ecotourism because it is an economic activity that can also honor and protect the environment,” he said.
He said nature-based tourism could remain sustainable when supported by a circular economy that keeps economic activities circulating within local communities and tourism areas.
“Any activity can survive when there is a circular economy. There must be an economy that keeps moving. Otherwise, it usually does not last,” Jumhur said.
The approach also provides opportunities for businesses to contribute directly to biodiversity conservation. KLH/BPLH is preparing a biodiversity credit scheme that could connect conservation financing with business activities.
“Business and financing should be part of efforts to protect the Earth. Businesses can operate while also contributing to environmental protection,” Jumhur said.
Environmental Practices in the Field
The integration of business and conservation is being demonstrated through the development of Dusun Bambu Ecotourism Area. Eiger founder Ronny Lukito said the approximately 35-hectare area, which was previously degraded land, has been transformed into a green zone based on ecotourism.
A similar approach has been applied at Eiger Nature in Bogor Regency, covering about 253 hectares. The area has been planted with around 120,000 trees and eight million understory plants as part of efforts to provide environmental education to the public.
West Bandung Vice Regent Asep Ismail also highlighted the region’s nature tourism potential, including Curug Malela and Curug Sawer, as opportunities to distribute economic benefits to southern parts of the regency. He also reported environmental problems involving water hyacinth in Saguling Reservoir.
In response, Jumhur called on parties benefiting from the reservoir to participate in addressing its environmental problems.
KLH/BPLH said stronger cooperation among businesses, local governments and communities would be needed to integrate economic activity with environmental protection and support more environmentally oriented national development. (*)
