President Prabowo Calls for Nature Conservation, Proposes Planting Hundreds of Millions of Trees

President Prabowo Subianto has called on regional heads and government agencies to protect and preserve nature, stating that natural beauty is a key attraction for foreign tourists visiting Indonesia. “What attracts tourists to our country? Our culture, the beauty of our land, the atmosphere of our country,” Prabowo said during the inauguration of the revitalised Semarang Tawang Station on Thursday (30/7/2026).

He added that to foster tourism, every district and city, down to the sub-district level, must be clean. Therefore, Prabowo stated that tackling the waste problem is a priority for his administration. “We must resolve the waste problem throughout Indonesia within a year,” he said.

Prabowo also emphasised that all rivers and streams must be kept clean. “Nature must be preserved, trees must not be cut down carelessly. If necessary, we should plant hundreds of millions of new trees. We must maintain the aesthetics and the beauty,” he stated. He subsequently instructed governors, regents, mayors, and other government agencies to conserve the environment. “We must change the impression of Indonesia; it must be sustainable, beautiful, and lush,” Prabowo said.

In his speech, Prabowo also expressed appreciation to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) for completing the revitalisation of Semarang Tawang Station. “History records that the first President of the Republic of Indonesia used this station to travel to other regions to carry out state duties at the beginning of his administration,” he noted.