Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national development proceeds without compromising environmental sustainability, echoing the long-standing vision of renowned environmental scholar Prof. Dr. Emil Salim that economic progress and ecosystem protection must advance hand in hand.
The commitment was underscored by Minister of Environment and Head of BPLH, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, during the event titled “Inspirasi Perjalanan Karya dan Bakti Negeri Prof. Dr. Emil Salim” held in Jakarta. According to the minister, Emil Salim’s ideas continue to provide a philosophical foundation for addressing today’s global ecological challenges.
“The environmental values championed by Prof. Dr. Emil Salim have shaped our moral and ethical framework. These principles guide us to act responsibly, take concrete measures to prevent environmental degradation, and ensure that natural resources are utilized fairly and sustainably,” Jumhur said.
The minister stressed that environmental ethics have become increasingly important given Indonesia’s status as one of the world’s megabiodiverse countries. Indonesia’s 22 ecosystem types, 120 million hectares of forests, 20 million hectares of peatlands, and 108,000 kilometers of coastline serve as vital natural defenses against climate change and ecological disasters.
Beyond their ecological functions, Jumhur highlighted the enormous economic potential embedded in the country’s biodiversity when managed responsibly.
“Biodiversity possesses immense economic value. National food security, pharmaceutical development, the green economy, bioprospecting, and industries based on genetic resources all depend on healthy ecosystems. Research opportunities, economic potential, and job creation are highly promising, provided they are pursued responsibly,” he said.
The vision of balancing economic development and ecological preservation resonates with Prof. Emil Salim’s lifelong reflections. During the event, the veteran environmentalist urged stakeholders to adopt a more holistic relationship with nature.
“Life should not view nature merely as an object; nature is also a subject. Nature is alive. Nature is not lifeless. Therefore, we must embrace all parties. The environment cannot be protected by the government alone. We must learn together and work together,” Emil Salim said.
Responding to this call for collaboration, KLH/BPLH has continued strengthening environmental monitoring, control, and law enforcement efforts. In recognition of Emil Salim’s outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, the ministry presented him with the Rhaksa Bumi Prize, honoring his decades of service in shaping Indonesia’s sustainable development agenda.
The award ceremony also marked the launch of his book, Jejak Nurani, Sebuah Visi untuk Negeri, which documents his thoughts and vision for the country.
Closing the World Environment Day commemoration, Minister Jumhur issued a call for collective action.
“We have only one Earth, shared across jurisdictions and generations. Let this moment serve as an opportunity for reflection and a pathway toward sustainability. Let us demonstrate to the world that Indonesia can become a living example of how development and environmental protection can progress together,” he said. (*)
