Honouring Rivers Means Honouring the Nation, Says Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister for Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Deputy Head of the National Land Agency (Wamen ATR/Waka BPN), Ossy Dermawan, has invited all elements of society to protect and honour rivers as a vital part of life and the root of the nation’s civilisation. “Let us together honour our rivers, because honouring rivers means honouring the nation. Rivers are the root of civilisation and also the source of civilisation for our nation and state,” said Deputy Minister Ossy in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday. Speaking during the National Movement ‘AYO Muliakan Sungai’ (Let’s Honour Rivers) event at the Bamboo Craftsmen Islamic Boarding School Foundation in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, on Friday, Deputy Minister Ossy stated that this movement needs to be intensified to protect rivers in Indonesia. The action began with tracing the Ciliwung River, followed by cleaning up rubbish along the riverbanks and waterway. The activity involved the Bambu Indonesia Foundation, various environmental communities, volunteers, young people, and residents who care about river sustainability. Observing the spirit of mutual cooperation that characterised the event, Deputy Minister Ossy appreciated the National Movement ‘AYO Muliakan Sungai’, which he believes can strengthen collaboration between the government, communities, businesses, academics, and the public in maintaining river sustainability. “This movement shows that protecting rivers is a shared responsibility. I hope more parties will get involved and take real action, because success in honouring rivers can only be achieved through a spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration,” he said. In addition to cleaning the river, the event also featured an interactive dialogue involving various stakeholders, environmental communities, small business actors, and young people. Collaboration among all parties is a key factor in preserving Indonesia’s rivers, as noted by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who also participated in the movement. “The AYO Muliakan Sungai movement is not just a cleanup action, but a collective movement to protect rivers as a source of life. Its success requires collaboration from the community, organisations, academics, businesses, and the government,” said AHY.