MMS Urges Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat to Be Bold and Firm in Restoring the Environment
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG – The Majelis Musyawarah Sunda (MMS) is urging the Environment Minister of Sunda descent, Jumhur Hidayat, to boldly and firmly take concrete steps to address environmental issues. In particular, the waste crisis that remains unresolved in Greater Bandung and West Java.
This call emerged during a cross-societal discussion forum attended by activists, cultural figures, community leaders, and environmental advocates at Rumah Kebangsaan HD Soetisno, Jl Soekarno Hatta, Bandung City, on Sunday (10/5/2026) afternoon.
MMS Pinisepuh Dindin S Maolani stressed that environmental issues require moral courage and steadfast resolve. Because the waste problem cannot be viewed merely as a technical issue, but concerns the future safety of society.
“There must be a desire to serve. The obligation to be bold and resolute (dare to act, ed.). Environmental issues are heavy because they also confront oligarchs and black investors. Therefore, we encourage prayers for the Environment Minister to be strong and brave,” he said.
MMS Pinisepuh Holil Umar Aksanzen stated that the Environment Minister, as a former activist, must continue to act as an activist within the government.
“Activists are those who fight tirelessly for the people. Kang Jumhur has activist blood, so that spirit must be carried forward in the government. Including for environmental issues in Garut,” he said.
On that occasion, another MMS Pinisepuh, retired Major General Deni K Irwan, presented the Iket Mega Mendung Merah Putih and Kudjang Pamor Padjadjaran to the Environment Minister to encourage bold and firm action.
In response to the various aspirations, Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat expressed his commitment to seriously addressing the waste problem and environmental damage in West Java.
“I even go down to the field on weekends to handle waste with relevant officials. We have also repeatedly taken firm action, making one department head a suspect. We are truly serious about managing the environment,” he said.
Specifically regarding the Greater Bandung issue, he promised that the emergency waste piling up in many places would be resolved within the next two weeks. Jumhur agreed with the input from Sunda figures in MMS. Because, after more than 80 years of Indonesian independence, the waste problem remains a major issue in various regions.
“How can it be, 80 years of independence and the waste issue is not settled. Therefore, there must be a spirit of unity in Greater Bandung with emphasis on solutions. If not, the ones who lose the most are the people,” he said.
He emphasised that environmental issues can truly serve as a meeting point for various societal groups across religions, ethnicities, and governments. “The determination to honour the earth can unite all parties across government, religion, and ethnicity. It’s impossible there is no solution. If there’s a will there’s a way. I am ready to commit to ensuring this issue is resolved,” he asserted.
Agung Suryamal Sutisno, the event organiser, said the forum deliberately brought together various societal elements so that environmental issues are understood more broadly and deeply.
“This event is attended by all elements from activists, cultural figures, and various societal groups. Environmental issues need to be explained and understood because disasters continue to occur due to not all of society yet understanding,” he said.
He also highlighted that many industrial actors still take environmental issues lightly, even though the impacts are very serious for business sustainability.
MMS Badan Pagawe Chairman Andri P Kantaprawira said his side is proud of the appointment of a fellow Bandung activist as Environment Minister. He hopes this mandate is carried out with the courage to enforce regulations so that Indonesia’s nature can recover.