Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that efforts to protect the environment must begin with oneself, family, and those closest to us. A simple step that individuals can take is to stop using plastic bottled drinks or packaged drinking water.
“Take small steps to save the environment, starting with yourself,” said Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni during the inauguration of 55 High-Level Primary Officials at the Ministry of Forestry on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The inauguration of echelon I and II officials marked the completion of the transformation separating the Ministry of Forestry from the Ministry of Environment, which had previously been merged. The inauguration ceremony, held in the Dr. Soedjarwo Auditorium, Manggala Wanabakti Building, was also attended by Deputy Forestry Minister Sulaiman Umar and the Directorate General team.
The Forestry Minister stated that one simple measure to adopt is to stop using plastic bottled water in daily activities, especially in offices. “Starting today, from my office to the lowest staff room, there will no longer be packaged drinks, and we will reduce all types of plastics,” emphasized the Minister. He urged that the budget for purchasing plastic bottled drinks be redirected to buy glasses and dispensers for all units in the Manggala Building and the Technical Implementation Units (UPT) in the regions.
He also encouraged all Ministry of Forestry staff to routinely carry tumblers. According to him, this could become a unique identity for Forestry employees. “Make it a habit to always carry a tumbler wherever you go so that it becomes distinctive. In meetings or everyday environments, people will recognize you as Forestry Ministry staff because you’re always carrying a tumbler,” he explained.
Minister Raja Antoni added that advocating for and encouraging others to care for nature must be reflected in personal actions. “There is no point in campaigning for something significant if we don’t start with ourselves,” he said.
