Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat to Environmental Destroyers: Stop It!

Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat has called on those responsible for environmental destruction to immediately halt their activities. He emphasised that all parties live on the same earth, so the responsibility to protect the environment must be undertaken collectively. “Environmental destroyers, stop it! Find ways to gradually ensure that destructive behaviour towards the environment ceases,” said Jumhur during a speech at the IPB Alumni Synergy for the Nation event at the Borobudur Hotel in Jakarta on Saturday (2/5). Jumhur then touched on the case of the revocation of permits for 28 companies that violated regulations related to forest utilisation in Sumatra. As the General Chairman of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPSI), Jumhur recounted receiving complaints from an organisation stating that around 1,700 workers were affected after the company they worked for had its permit revoked. “Chairman, 1,700 of our members at that company are now unemployed,” said Jumhur, quoting the report he received. However, based on internal reports, Jumhur stated that the company had actually met the requirements (compliance). Nevertheless, environmental factors such as landslides and floods in the surrounding area still impacted the company, requiring repeated inspections. Jumhur admitted he does not want such situations to continue because they can harm many parties, including workers. He emphasised the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. According to him, business activities must still proceed and drive the economy, but while ensuring the environment remains well-protected. “I am saddened if people are punished, suspended, or frozen because of the environment. I want it not to be like that; I want everyone to progress, work, and grow the economy, but still ensure the environment is well-protected,” said Jumhur.