Repeated Disasters Due to Environmental Damage, YSSC Calls for National Collaboration to Reduce Carbon Emissions

The Sihatihat Sanjaya Center Foundation (YSSC) has affirmed its commitment to supporting environmental recovery through a greening movement. This serves as a concrete step to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening community resilience against the impacts of climate change. YSSC Chairman Hari S. Siregar stated that the floods affecting several regions in Sumatra, particularly North Tapanuli Regency, are a reminder that environmental damage has increased the risk of increasingly frequent hydrometeorological disasters. According to him, the reduction in forest cover, uncontrolled land conversion, and climate change must be addressed with real action through environmental rehabilitation involving all elements of society. “Maintaining nature’s balance is no longer just an option, but our collective responsibility. Tree planting is a simple step that has a major impact on environmental sustainability and public safety in the future,” Hari told reporters on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. Through the Spirit Green movement, YSSC is inviting the government, businesses, academics, community organisations, communities, and the younger generation to jointly plant trees in areas requiring environmental rehabilitation. Hari explained that tree planting not only aims to re-green degraded areas but also increases the soil’s water absorption capacity, reduces the potential for flooding, prevents erosion, maintains water sources, and protects biodiversity. Beyond these ecological benefits, trees also act as effective absorbers of carbon dioxide (CO₂), thereby helping to curb the rate of global warming. “Every tree we plant is an investment for the future. The more green spaces we build, the greater Indonesia’s contribution to reducing carbon emissions and tackling global climate change,” he stressed. Hari assessed that environmental issues cannot be resolved partially. Strong collaboration between the government, the public, the private sector, academics, and community organisations is needed to ensure the greening movement becomes a sustainable programme, not just a ceremonial activity. “We want the tree-planting movement to become a shared culture. A healthy environment can only be realised if all parties share the same commitment to care for and preserve it,” he said.