Enviro News Asia, Bandung – Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) Moh. Jumhur Hidayat has affirmed that climate justice must be the primary foundation for building a sustainable future for Asia and Africa, calling on the two regions to embrace ecological repentance as a key step toward realizing that vision. He delivered the call as a speaker at the Asia Africa Festival 2026 in Bandung, themed “Unity in Diversity, Rising in Harmony.”
Minister Jumhur invited Asia-African communities to strengthen a new solidarity in facing the challenges of climate change and the environmental crisis. “The solidarity that once fought for independence must now evolve into solidarity for climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development,” he said.
He noted that Asia and Africa are regions rich in natural resources, biodiversity, culture, and the potential of young generations, but are simultaneously on the front lines of climate change impacts and environmental pressures.
“Diversity is not merely our identity; it is our greatest strength. Let me add one important reflection: unity in diversity must also become unity for sustainability,” Minister Jumhur said.
He stressed that true harmony is built not only through human relationships but also through a balanced relationship between humanity and nature, noting that civilizations, cultures, and communities have flourished through the support of healthy ecosystems including protected forests, clean rivers, sustainable seas, and rich biodiversity.
“True harmony cannot be achieved if humanity does not live in harmony with nature,” he said.
Minister Jumhur explained that good policies and green technology development are important components in addressing the environmental crisis, but insufficient without a change in how humans view and behave toward nature. He called on all Asia-African communities to revive the spirit of ecological repentance, stressing it is not only about recognizing past mistakes in over-exploiting nature, but committing never to repeat environmentally destructive practices.
“The earth is not merely a resource to be exploited, but a shared home that we must care for,” Jumhur said.
He also highlighted that the world’s challenges today extend beyond climate change to include environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and waste and plastic pollution threatening human health and the sustainability of life.
“If Asia-African leaders once united to fight for the independence of nations, our generation is now called to fight for something no less important: the sustainable future of the earth,” he said.
Jumhur urged that the spirit of the Bandung Spirit evolve into a Green Bandung Spirit, a new solidarity and collaboration to strengthen environmental action and ensure sustainability for future generations.
“Let us make the Asia Africa Festival not merely a celebration, but also a collective movement to build a future that is green, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable. Let us bequeath to future generations not only the story of Asia-Africa solidarity, but also a green earth, clean rivers, sustainable seas, and living cultures,” Minister Jumhur concluded. (*)
