Environmentalists receive prestigious Kalpataru awards
I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali
President Megawati Soekarnoputri presented on Wednesday prestigious Kalpataru environmental awards to distinguished persons and organizations for their immense contributions to the preservation of the environment.
In a modest ceremony at the Wiswa Sabha building at the Bali gubernatorial offices in Denpasar on Wednesday, the President thanked the Kalpataru winners for their services.
"I sincerely congratulate you on your great achievements. Hopefully, the awards will motivate you to work harder and to encourage other people and institutions to follow in your steps," Megawati said.
The annual Kalpataru award presentation coincided with the World Environment Day, which falls on June 5.
Kalpataru awards were presented to Kuat Sudarta (North Sumatera), H. Arfan (West Nusa Tenggara), and Herry Rompas (North Sulawesi), in recognition of their work as the pioneers in saving the environment.
Endang Maryatun (Yogyakarta), Mada Hendrikus (East Nusa Tenggara), and Agung Sugiarta (North Sumatera), received Kalpataru awards for their work as environmental proponents.
In the "savior of the environment" category, the Kalpatarus went to the Kali Jambe Natural Resources Conservation Group (East Java), and the indigenous people of Kutasari hamlet, Karangpaningal (West Java). The Kalpatarus in the "promoters of the environment" went to Ngangkat Tarigan (North Sumatera), and to Central Java's Charles Saerang, the CEO of the country's leading producer of traditional herbal drinks, PT Jamu Nyonya Meneer.
State Minister for the Environment Nabiel Makarim said in his speech that environmental protection needed political power and support.
"Environmental conditions in this country keep deteriorating because people or organizations who are committed to saving the environment do not have such power and support," Nabiel said.
He outlined four important points that must be implemented in order to protect the environment.
"First, we must win the support of those with real political power. Second, we must be able to increase people's awareness and secure their involvement and participation in environmental conservation programs," he said.
Nabiel also stressed the need to establish a governance system and to arouse environmental awareness at the local government level. The system would empower the local authorities to enforce clean governance and to implement more environmentally friendly policies.
To date, around 59 cities and regencies have joined the program.
Every year, the central government also presents the Adipraja awards to local administrations that successfully implement the Bangun Praja program, which is aimed at increasing capacity- building.