Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), organized an event titled “GERAK” (Movement for Conservation Awareness) in celebration of the upcoming 2025 National Nature Conservation Day (HKAN).
The event took place on Sunday, August 3, 2025, during Jakarta’s Car-Free Day (CFD) around the iconic Sudirman Statue, as part of the “Road to HKAN 2025” series.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Forestry, more than 500 participants from various backgrounds attended the event, including national and international conservation partners.
This initiative serves as a tangible expression of collective commitment to bringing conservation issues into public spaces and amplifying cross-generational participation in protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity.
HKAN is commemorated every August 10, based on Presidential Decree No. 22 of 2009. This year’s HKAN theme is “Building Intergenerational Synergy for the Future of Conservation,” with the tagline “Youth for Conservation, Beyond Expectations.”
The theme underscores the critical role of young people as drivers of conservation and highlights the importance of strong collaboration between senior generations and Gen Z in safeguarding Indonesia’s natural heritage.
The GERAK event was supported by various partner organizations, including UNDP, WWF Indonesia, WCS, FFI, YEL, YABI, SINTAS Indonesia Foundation, Arei Outdoor Gear, and KIFCC.
Several international conservation projects such as ASEAN ENMAPS, IN-FLORES, FORCLIME, and CONSERVE also took part actively.
In a speech delivered by the Director of Conservation Areas, Sapto Aji Prabowo, the Director General of KSDAE emphasized that present and future conservation efforts must be rooted in intergenerational synergy. “We need to listen to one another, support one another, and work together as one team across generations,” Sapto affirmed.
The event also featured various public activities such as group aerobics, interactive conservation education, fun games, environmental quizzes, door prize giveaways, and open-air entertainment. The strong public turnout at CFD reinforced the message that conservation should be accessible, relevant, and enjoyable.
GERAK serves as a prelude to the peak celebration of HKAN 2025, which will be held during CFD on August 10, 2025, and is expected to be attended by the Minister of Forestry. (*)
