Enviro News Asia, Yogyakarta — Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Moh. Jumhur Hidayat, called for a development model that protects nature while improving people’s welfare during a working visit to the Special Region of Yogyakarta on Friday.
The statement was made following his meeting with Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X at the Kepatihan Palace, where the two discussed the importance of integrating local wisdom into national development. Jumhur said he gained valuable insight from the Sultan that development must always respect and protect the natural environment.
According to the minister, Yogyakarta’s philosophy of leadership is closely aligned with the ministry’s vision of promoting sustainable development that balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. He stressed that national development should preserve harmonious relationships between people and nature while ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.
During the same visit, Jumhur delivered a keynote address at the Fourth Congress of the Indonesian Social Development Association (APSI) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). He emphasized that environmental and social resilience should become integrated indicators in development planning, adding that Environmental Impact Assessments (AMDAL) should be strengthened through better integration of social preparedness.
The minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that large-scale investments generate tangible benefits for local communities through employment opportunities, skills development, and participation in local economic supply chains. He urged relevant government institutions to help prepare local workers so they can benefit from industrial development.
Jumhur further emphasized that Indonesia’s cultural values of respecting nature must continue to be strengthened. He said environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of all sectors of society.
The Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development by ensuring environmental protection advances alongside public welfare. Through stronger environmental governance and greater ecological awareness, Indonesia aims to achieve sustainable economic growth without compromising the balance of its natural ecosystems. (*)
