Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Environment Ministry has launched the Ecological Repentance Movement as a nationwide initiative aimed at advancing holistic environmental restoration through cultural, religious, and law enforcement approaches.
"The Environment Ministry initiated the Ecological Repentance Movement, which is anchored in three key perspectives related to moral and cultural awareness, religion, and law enforcement," Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said in Jakarta on Monday.
He noted that the government is promoting the Adiwiyata School program to strengthen students' awareness of and commitment to environmental sustainability, adding that the initiative reflects the movement's focus on moral and cultural values.
Hidayat added that the national movement also draws on Islamic teachings that encourage humans to care for all living beings on Earth as fellow creations of God.
In this regard, the minister emphasized that the movement seeks to reinforce the belief that humans must refrain from harming nature, as God will hold them accountable for their actions.
Highlighting the law enforcement aspect, he called on residents, businesses, and government institutions to reflect on past environmental violations, commit to avoiding similar misconduct, and take an active role in restoration efforts.
He also pointed to growing environmental activism among young people, noting that members of Generation Z tend to demonstrate stronger awareness of environmental sustainability than older generations.
"It is now our turn to facilitate them and ensure this sound level of awareness continues growing," Hidayat said.
The minister further emphasized the importance of beginning ecological repentance with individual behavior, urging residents to view natural disasters and the emergence of communicable diseases that threaten the world as warnings of the consequences of environmental degradation.
He expressed optimism that Indonesia would succeed in safeguarding its biodiversity through cross-sector collaboration, environmental ethics education, and efforts to strengthen public awareness of sustainability.
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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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