Enviro News Asia, Bali — The 2025 World Environment Day is being commemorated in Bali under the theme “Stop Plastic Pollution.” This event serves as a strong affirmation of a new direction in environmental governance—one that is collaborative, just, and impactful.
The Indonesian Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized in his speech that the theme is not just a slogan, but a moral call to halt the surge of plastic pollution, which has become a symbol of unsustainable living. He noted that the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic annually, with less than 10% being successfully recycled.
In Indonesia, out of the 56.6 million tons of national waste, nearly 11 million tons are plastic waste, with more than half of it poorly managed. Without serious intervention, all Final Disposal Sites (TPAs) in Indonesia are expected to reach full capacity by 2028.
“Plastic pollution is an ecological time bomb. But we are not here as victims. We are here as the solution,” Minister Hanif declared, signaling Indonesia’s new direction on both national and global stages.
This year, although the regular Kalpataru Awards were not held due to the institutional transformation from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) to KLH/BPLH, the government remains consistent in honoring the dedication of environmental stewards. Through the Kalpataru Lestari Appreciation, 12 environmental figures from across Indonesia were awarded for their long-term commitment to conservation from 1980 to 2019. These individuals started with small, consistent actions that created significant impact. From forests to coastal areas, traditional villages to remote regions, they worked selflessly, often unnoticed, yet provided profound inspiration.
“They are not ordinary figures. They are life teachers—reminders that great change can emerge from persistent small actions,” said Minister Hanif.
More than just a ceremony, this commemoration is a call to action. The central government urged regional leaders to immediately enact local regulations banning single-use plastics, develop local recycling facilities, implement zero waste to landfill visions, and turn public spaces into centers for environmental education. Meanwhile, businesses are urged to transform production and consumption patterns based on responsibility and sustainability.
“It’s time for responsible production and consumption. There are no more excuses to keep producing non-recyclable plastic,” the Minister stressed, calling for structural changes in supply chains and product design.
Bali, as the host and a showcase of Indonesia’s tourism, received special attention. The Minister called on the region to pioneer the reduction of single-use plastics—not just because of regulations, but out of love for ancestral lands. Bali has already implemented the Clean Bali Waste Movement, launched on April 11, 2025. This initiative is both a breakthrough and a sustained commitment to making Bali a model, not only in tourism management but also in waste management.
“One of our policies is to eliminate bottled water under one liter. I have requested that production be halted. Existing stock can only be sold until December 2025. Starting January 2026, it must no longer be available,” stated Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
Minister Hanif also awarded certificates of appreciation to the Governor and Vice Governor of Bali, the Regent and Vice Regent of Badung, and the Commander of the Udayana Regional Military Command IX, including the former commander who served from July 2024 to March 2025, for their collaboration in tackling marine waste in Bali.
“This award is not only for the Badung Regency Government but also for all environmental activists in Badung Regency—traditional villages, customary councils, pecalang, the military and police, and civil servants—who have worked together in managing waste in Badung,” said Badung Regent Adi Arnawa.
Minister Hanif also conveyed a message of hope and responsibility to the younger generation, especially Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha. He emphasized the importance of adopting an environmentally conscious lifestyle as part of this generation’s new identity.
“You are not spectators. You are the ones shaping history. Be pioneers of a low-plastic lifestyle, invite your peers, and spread environmental education through social media,” said Minister Hanif.
Not only on a national level, Indonesia also declared its readiness to lead global change. In the upcoming INC-5.2 forum in Geneva this August, Indonesia will advocate for the establishment of a legally binding international convention to end plastic pollution. The Minister stated that Indonesia is not coming as a victim but as a country offering solutions, championing environmental justice, and demanding accountability from global producers.
The 2025 World Environment Day commemoration affirms that caring for the Earth is not the responsibility of a few—it is a national movement relying on the collaboration of all sectors of society. Every action, no matter how small—sorting waste, rejecting single-use plastics, choosing sustainable products—is a vital part of a larger wave of change.
At the end of his speech, the Minister delivered a stirring and reflective message—a reminder for all generations:
“The Earth doesn’t need us. We are the ones who need the Earth.”
List of Kalpataru Lestari Award Recipients 2025:
- Paris Sembiring (North Sumatra)
- LSM Bahtera Melayu Bengkalis (Riau)
- Sadiman (Central Java)
- Oday Kodariyah (West Java)
- Penglipuran Traditional Village (Bali)
- TGH. Hasanain Juaini, Lc, MH (West Nusa Tenggara)
- Prapat Agung Mengening Patasari Fishermen Group (Bali)
- Hamzah (South Kalimantan)
- Dayak Iban Community of Menua Sungai Utik (West Kalimantan)
- Herman Sasia (Central Sulawesi)
- Isyo Hill’s Rhepang Muaif Group (Papua)
- Timotius Hindom (West Papua)
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