Environment Minister partners with NGOs to support sustainable development

The Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, stated that his office will embrace environmental NGOs to accommodate their proposals in implementing government policies regarding sustainable development.

“In environmental matters, it is impossible to proceed without collaborating with the civil society movement, as many brilliant ideas and field facts are revealed by them. Therefore, we are integrating their intelligent thoughts (environmental NGOs) into policy, while remaining within the framework of sustainable development,” said Minister Jumhur Hidayat during an event titled “Inspiration of the Journey, Work, and Service to the Nation of Prof. Dr. Emil Salim” in Jakarta on Monday.

He emphasised that the government does not reject ideas or proposals from environmental NGOs, stating, “Let us be clear, there is no problem. I am happy to engage with civil society.”

As part of enforcement efforts, the Minister noted that sanctions have been imposed on 3,000 companies for failing to comply with environmental regulations. “More than 3,000 entities have received sanctions from this office,” said Jumhur Hidayat.

Furthermore, he revealed that 447 regencies and cities across Indonesia have received administrative sanctions from the Ministry of Environment due to local governments neglecting their duties and functions in environmental management.

During the event, Indonesian environmental figure Prof. Emil Salim advised the Minister to engage various environmental NGOs in the government’s efforts to manage the environment. “Try to embrace all these communities. Embrace the Council of Ulama, embrace all community leaders, and NGOs. Nature is our teacher. For them, the environment is not merely an object. I ask the Minister, is it possible to continue this spirit?” said Emil Salim.