World Environment Day 2026, Environment Minister: Time to Work for the Climate, Starting with Waste Sorting
Jakarta (ANTARA) – World Environment Day 2026 serves as a reminder that our planet is facing increasing pressure due to the triple planetary crisis: climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Management Agency (KLH/BPLH) emphasised that protecting the environment is no longer an option, but a shared responsibility to ensure no generation is left behind in inheriting a viable future.
The Minister of Environment/Head of BPLH, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, asserted that this year’s World Environment Day must be a momentum to transition from awareness to concrete action. “World Environment Day 2026 is a moment for all of us to reflect, recognise our mistakes, and move to repair our relationship with nature,” Minister Jumhur stated before 10,000 participants at the peak event in Cibubur.
According to Minister Jumhur, current environmental conditions demand an ‘ecological repentance’—a change in human perspectives and behaviours towards nature. Protecting the environment requires more than just commitment and concern; it must be realised through tangible and sustainable daily actions. Consequently, the theme “Time to Work for the Climate” serves as an invitation for all elements of the nation to participate in climate action, from local environments to a broader scale.
This message aligns with the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, who emphasised that environmental issues cannot be separated from the national development agenda. “Environmental matters concern the past, present, and future. The President has very concrete programmes regarding food, water, and energy self-sufficiency. None of these can be achieved if the environment is not well-maintained. As the Minister of Environment has said, solving environmental problems requires a collective movement from all sectors of society,” said Minister Pambudy.
KLH/BPLH emphasised that climate action does not always require massive steps; change can begin at the level closest to community life. One of the simplest yet most impactful actions is sorting waste at the source. This step is crucial because waste issues relate not only to environmental cleanliness but also contribute to climate change. Indonesia produces approximately 51 million tonnes of waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills in a mixed state. Accumulated organic waste in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas with a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide.
Therefore, the more waste is sorted, reduced, reused, recycled, or processed at the source, the smaller the greenhouse gas emissions produced. Simultaneously, the burden on landfills can be reduced, and the quality of the community’s environment can be improved.
Through the Indonesia Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful (ASRI) Movement, KLH/BPLH invites the public to make waste sorting a new culture in daily life. This movement is part of an effort to build awareness that climate action does not always require advanced technology or large investments, but can start with consistent behavioural changes by every individual.
The spirit of “No Generation Left Behind” is a vital part of this effort. No generation should be left behind in understanding, facing, and playing a role in overcoming the environmental crisis. Today’s generation has the responsibility to ensure future generations maintain access to a healthy environment, sustainable natural resources, and a better quality of life.
The government will continue to strengthen various policies and programmes for climate change control and environmental protection to welcome Indonesia Emas 2045, following the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. However, the success of these efforts can only be achieved through the collaboration and active participation of all elements of society. World Environment Day 2026 serves as a reminder that the future of the environment is determined not by what we plan, but by what we do starting today. Therefore, it is time to turn concern into action, and action into a collective movement.