Enviro News Asia, Bali – In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, the Ministry of Environment / Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) hosted the Kalpataru Award ceremony and the 45th Anniversary Sarasehan (Dialogue) of Kalpataru, as a tribute to extraordinary individuals and groups who have made real, consistent, and far-reaching contributions to environmental conservation in Indonesia.
The Kalpataru Award was first introduced in 1980 as the highest national recognition for those who fight to protect the environment.
Over time, Kalpataru has become more than just an award—it has become the soul of the nation’s ecological struggle: a value, a commitment, and a movement.
“Kalpataru is not just a recognition; it is a symbol of courage in the face of indifference toward the Earth. Those who receive Kalpataru are beacons of hope, shining quietly from the fringes of the nation,” said Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment / Chief Secretary of BPLH, as conveyed in her official statement.
The year 2025 marks a transitional period, as the restructuring of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) into KLH/BPLH brings a spirit of renewal in environmental governance.
During this adaptation phase, the regular Kalpataru Awards have not been held, but the spirit to uphold environmental movements continues through the Kalpataru Lestari Appreciation awards.
This appreciation is presented to 12 previous Kalpataru recipients who have maintained their long-term commitment to the environment.
They remain active, relevant, and innovative—not only protecting nature, but also nurturing values, empowering communities, and creating intergenerational impact.
“Indonesia needs more environmental warriors—not just heroic when the spotlight is on them, but those who continue to fight even when the cameras are gone. Kalpataru Lestari Appreciation is awarded to those who never stop loving the Earth,” emphasized Rosa Vivien Ratnawati.
This appreciation is given to those who consistently carry out core conservation activities, develop and replicate local approaches, build collaborative networks, mentor the next generation, and innovate despite limitations.
The recipients were selected by an independent panel consisting of environmental experts, academics, and representatives of KLH/BPLH, with supporting data from local environmental agencies and digital footprint analysis.
Here are the 12 recipients of the 2025 Kalpataru Lestari Appreciation:
- Paris Sembiring (North Sumatra)
- Bahtera Melayu Bengkalis NGO (Riau)
- Sadiman (Central Java)
- Oday Kodariyah (West Java)
- Penglipuran Traditional Village (Bali)
- TGH. Hasanain Juaini, Lc, MH (West Nusa Tenggara)
- Prapat Agung Mengening Patasari Fishermen Group (Bali)
- Hamzah (South Kalimantan)
- Dayak Iban Menua Sungai Utik Community (West Kalimantan)
- Herman Sasia (Central Sulawesi)
- Isyo Hill’s Rhepang Muaif Group (Papua)
- Timotius Hindom (West Papua)
“What we do is not for the award, but because we know—if not us, then who will protect our forests?” — Sadiman, who has planted thousands of trees in Wonogiri.
“The Kalpataru Award is not the end, but the beginning of a greater responsibility. The environment isn’t saved just once—it must be protected for a lifetime,” said TGH. Hasanain Juaini, an ecological education figure from West Nusa Tenggara. (*)
