Walhi celebrates 25th anniversary

Walhi celebrates 25th anniversary

Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) executive director
Chalid Muhammad (left) talks with former minister of the
environment Sonny Keraf during a ceremony held to celebrate the
organization's 25th anniversary.

Chalid urged on Saturday environmental organizations to get a
greater portion of the public involved in advocating
environmental issues.

"Entering its 25th year, Walhi intends to transform the
country's environmental movement into deep-rooted and sustainable
activism. Environmental issues will always be a part of a social
movement," he said in his speech.

"Environmental issues should no longer be the sole concern of
NGOs, but should be the concern of all Indonesians," he said.

Noted politicians, activists and celebrities attended the
celebration, held at the historical Gedung Joeang '45 building in
Central Jakarta.

Aside from Sonny, Commission for Missing Persons and Victims
of Violence (Kontras) member Usman Hamid and actress-cum-activist
Wanda Hamidah were also in attendance.

Walhi, which was established on Oct. 15, 1980 in Jakarta by 10
non-governmental organizations with support from the then
ministry of the environment and population, has developed into a
large, popular and influential non-governmental organization.

At present, the organization has 26 provincial branches with
436 organization members. -- JP/Tb. Arie Rukmana