Environment Minister calls for ecological repentance to tackle environmental crisis

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Environment, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, has called upon all elements of society to engage in ecological repentance as part of the effort to resolve the current environmental crisis.

“This is an important moment for all of us to practice ecological repentance, which means reflecting, recognising our mistakes, and moving to repair our relationship with nature. 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,” stated the Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), Jumhur, in a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Sunday.

Delivered in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026 in Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Saturday (6/6), he highlighted the three current planetary crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. These three crises are interconnected and threaten global ecological, economic, and social stability.

“Looking at this reality, the condition of our earth is not well. Therefore, we must collectively undertake ecological repentance,” said Jumhur.

He explained that ecological repentance is not merely a moral appeal, but a call to change the human perspective towards the environment and to build an awareness that every daily action has consequences for the sustainability of the earth. Given the current global situation, protecting the environment is no longer an option, but a moral and social obligation that must be shared by all members of society.

He emphasised that ecological repentance aligns with Indonesia’s efforts to face 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 (LTS-LCCR 2050) as the direction for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

According to Minister Jumhur, these various targets and policies will only succeed if accompanied by changes in behaviour and public awareness regarding environmental protection. “We must all reflect, recognise our mistakes, and move to repair our relationship with nature,” concluded Jumhur Hidayat.