Enviro News Asia, Pekanbaru –Industries operating in the pulp and paper sector bear a significant responsibility to manage environmental impacts effectively.
One of the key steps to ensure sustainability and avoid potential public complaints is striving to achieve the Green PROPER status.
The Green PROPER rating reflects a company’s commitment to sound environmental management, aligning with higher standards of environmental governance and business sustainability.
The Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, during his visit to Riau last week, emphasized the importance of the pulp and paper sector in taking a leading role in sustainable environmental management.
“Companies must align their operations with sustainability principles, manage waste properly, and protect biodiversity to avoid public complaints that could be detrimental,” said Minister Hanif in an official statement released by the Ministry of Environment.
As a sector that is closely linked to global threats such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and industrial waste, the pulp and paper industry must ensure efficient waste management and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the major challenges currently faced is the increasing number of land fires, with more than 184 hotspots identified across Indonesia in early May 2025. Riau, being one of the hardest-hit regions, demonstrates the need for more intensive and coordinated environmental efforts within the sector.
Minister Hanif underlined that successful implementation of environmentally friendly technologies by companies can serve as a model for others in the industry, encouraging broader reductions in environmental impacts from their operational activities.
However, major challenges persist. Issues such as land fires, water pollution, and odor from poorly managed waste often lead to public complaints.
Therefore, achieving the Green PROPER rating is not merely about fulfilling administrative obligations, but also a sign that a company is capable of addressing these significant challenges in a proactive and responsible manner.
In the pursuit of sustainability, collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities is crucial. The government plays the role of regulator and policy supporter, while companies must enhance their environmental management practices.
“Companies must take a greater role in protecting the environment. With serious efforts in waste management and forest conservation, we can reduce public complaints and create a healthier environment,” Minister Hanif explained.
Despite the significant challenges faced by the pulp and paper sector, increased corporate commitment to adopting eco-friendly technologies and improving management practices offers hope that the industry can continue progressing toward a more sustainable future. *
