Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Experts have emphasized the importance of science-based and accessible communication in strengthening public participation in environmental conservation. Approaches that reflect local social and cultural conditions, supported by leading examples, are considered essential to translating sustainability knowledge into everyday practices.
The views emerged during the first Sustainability Communication Expert Dialogue and the launch of the Center for Sustainability Communication and Policy (CSCP) Indonesia at the Manggala Wanabakti Building, Ministry of Forestry, in Jakarta on Wednesday (November 4). The forum discussed the relationship between scientific knowledge, policy, and public understanding in encouraging sustainable action.
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Forestry Dr. Bambang Soepijanto stressed that evidence-based communication and active public engagement are essential to the success of forestry policies and environmental conservation efforts.
“The success of communication should therefore be measured by improvements in public understanding, capacity, and participation in protecting forests,” Bambang said in his keynote address.
According to Bambang, communication must be integrated from the moment an issue is identified and a policy is formulated, throughout implementation, and through the evaluation process. This provides opportunities to listen to public concerns, receive feedback, and improve policies. Accessible information that reflects conditions on the ground can also help strengthen public trust.
Anter Venus, Rector of the Jakarta Veterans National Development University (UPNVJ) for the 2022–2026 period, highlighted how sustainability is still often perceived as an abstract concept that is difficult to relate to everyday life. He emphasized the need for environmental messages that reflect people’s experiences.
“Communication strategies must therefore be developed by taking into account the social and cultural conditions of communities, as well as their levels of understanding,” Venus said.
He cited the example of people who continue to dispose of waste in rivers.
“The consequences of throwing rubbish into rivers need to be explained. Simply putting up prohibition signs is not enough,” he said.
Rector of the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) Prof. Dr. Jamhari Makruf emphasized the importance of religious approaches and local wisdom in environmental communication. He said various religions teach the importance of protecting nature. Similar values are also embedded in the traditions of Indigenous peoples and local communities, including through customary rules and sanctions against activities that damage the environment.
Jamhari said the challenge lies in encouraging religious leaders to translate religious teachings and local wisdom into environmental conservation messages and initiatives that are relevant to the conditions of their communities.
Director of the Graduate School of Sustainable Development (SPPB) at the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Supriatna, said environmental sustainability is closely linked to human behavior in using and managing natural resources. Therefore, environmental protection requires behavioral changes supported by shared understanding and awareness.
“Communication plays a role in conveying knowledge and building concern, but it must be accompanied by good examples and concrete actions from leaders, the government, and stakeholders,” Supriatna said.
Bambang expressed hope that CSCP Indonesia, managed by the Indonesian Sustainability Communication Association (ASKOMKI), would bring together scientific knowledge, policy, and field experience. Collaboration among the government, academia, businesses, media, and communities is also needed to support Indonesia’s FOLU Net Sink 2030 target.
“Follow-up initiatives could include joint studies, sustainability communication training, the development of public education materials, and regular knowledge-sharing forums,” he said. He stressed that each initiative should have clearly defined responsibilities, objectives, and evaluation mechanisms.
The launch of CSCP Indonesia is part of broader efforts to strengthen the links between scientific knowledge, policy, and society through sustainability communication. The platform, managed by ASKOMKI, is expected to support public education and cross-sector collaboration that promotes concrete action for environmental conservation and community welfare. (*)
