Climate Crisis: Environment Minister Highlights Relationship Between Humans and Nature
The Minister of Environment, Jumhur Hidayat, has invited the public to undergo ‘ecological repentance’ as a step towards repairing the relationship between humans and nature. This call was made in observance of World Environment Day, as part of an effort to build a culture of care and public responsibility regarding environmental conditions.
“This is an important moment for all of us to practice ecological repentance, which means reflecting, recognising our mistakes, and moving to improve our relationship with nature,” said Jumhur in a statement released on Sunday (7/6).
“Through ecological repentance, we do not only protect the environment, but also build a culture of care and responsibility that will serve as a legacy for future generations,” he continued.
Jumhur noted that the world is currently facing a triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity degradation, and environmental pollution. These three crises are interconnected and threaten global ecological, economic, and social stability.
“Given this reality, the condition of our Earth is not well. Therefore, we must collectively undertake ecological repentance,” said Jumhur.
He explained that ecological repentance aims to build human awareness that every daily action has consequences for the sustainability of the Earth. Jumhur also emphasised that this process demands the growth of a collective consciousness that humans are part of nature and have a responsibility to maintain ecosystem balance for both current and future generations.
“We are invited to honour nature, introspect on every behaviour and habit that impacts the environment, recognise the consequences of our daily actions, and take real action to protect the Earth we all love,” said Jumhur.
The commitment to ecological repentance is considered aligned with Indonesia’s efforts to address climate change through the Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (Enhanced NDC) 2030, which targets emission reductions of 31.89 per cent through domestic efforts and 43.20 per cent with international support. Furthermore, the government has established the Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon and Climate Resilience 2050 (LTSLCCR 2050) as a roadmap for low-carbon and climate-resilient development. Jumhur noted that these policies and targets can only succeed if supported by changes in public behaviour and awareness in environmental conservation.