Minister Jumhur Urges Major Nations to Share Responsibility on Environmental Issues
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat expressed concern that some developed nations with major economic power are choosing to withdraw from the collective responsibility of addressing pollution and climate change, even as their economic weight continues to contribute the bulk of global emissions.
Jumhur made the remarks at a meeting of BRICS member countries’ environment ministers in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, according to an official statement released on Wednesday (19/8/2026).
Jumhur underscored the importance of protecting biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine, as the foundation for healthy ecosystems, climate resilience, and long-term sustainable growth.
This is because Indonesia is home to one of the richest biodiversities in the world, with more than 300,000 known species, including 9.7% of the world’s flowering plants, 14% of mammals, and 18.6% of birds.
Indonesia’s marine ecosystems, located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, are home to 23% of mangrove forests, 16% of global marine fish species, 10% of the world’s coral species, and some of the highest concentrations of marine reptiles and mammals. This extraordinary biodiversity supports ecosystem services that are essential for climate mitigation, adaptation, and the resilience of millions of livelihoods.
As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, spanning more than 17,000 islands, with over 60 percent of its population living in coastal areas, Indonesia is on the front line of climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and climate-related disasters have already affected communities across the Indonesian archipelago. These threats could undermine development progress, disrupt livelihoods, and push vulnerable communities back into poverty.
“Therefore, for Indonesia, climate adaptation is not a peripheral agenda. It is a central pillar of sustainable development and a safeguard for our national prosperity. We have enacted the National Adaptation Plan 2026-2030 as a roadmap towards a climate-resilient Indonesia and as support for the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045,” said Jumhur.
Jumhur also said that sustainable solutions must draw not only from advanced science but also from the wealth of traditional knowledge. Communities are the first to feel the impacts of climate change and possess invaluable insights into local weather patterns and natural resource management.
The Minister’s statement aligns with BRICS, where in the global landscape, BRICS is expanding global environmental governance to be more representative and effective, and providing opportunities for local wisdom to contribute to mitigating and addressing increasingly complex environmental challenges.
He introduced three successful traditional models from Indonesia: the Subak irrigation system in Bali, which integrates water management, community cooperation, and spiritual practice; Sasi Lompa in Maluku, a traditional system for sustainable fisheries management; and Awig-Awig, a community-driven customary law system in Bali.
“These practices demonstrate that living in harmony with nature is not only a cultural heritage but also a powerful tool for climate adaptation and resilience, particularly by strengthening community-based approaches to managing water, ecosystems, and natural resources in the face of climate impacts,” Jumhur continued.
According to Jumhur, the way we manage natural resources, shape landscapes, prevent environmental degradation, and build resilience will ultimately determine the sustainability of development.