Emil Salim: Nature Must Be the Foundation of Indonesian Development

National environmental figure Prof. Emil Salim has stressed the critical need for Indonesia to establish nature as the bedrock of its development strategy. He warned that an approach solely focused on exploiting natural resources is no longer viable given the escalating threats of climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.

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The way to manage nature is not by treating nature as an object, but by how humans grow by utilizing nature without dismantling nature's life functions.

Speaking during the 2026 World Environment Day commemoration, themed "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," Salim argued that development must consider Indonesia's characteristics as a tropical nation with year-round active ecosystems. "The way to manage nature is not by treating nature as an object, but by how humans grow by utilizing nature without dismantling nature's life functions," he stated.

Riki Frindos, Executive Director of the KEHATI Foundation, highlighted Indonesia's rich biodiversity as a crucial asset supporting climate resilience, food security, water resources, public health, and the economy. "The best investment for the future is an investment in nature conservation and ecosystem restoration," Frindos said.

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The best investment for the future is an investment in nature conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Salim also underscored the importance of environmental education to foster a holistic understanding of the human-nature relationship. This understanding, he believes, is vital for equipping younger generations to confront future environmental challenges. "A holistic view, an environmental perspective, is the core for learning about survival without destroying other living elements. That is the way of environmentally conscious development," he explained.

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A holistic view, an environmental perspective, is the core for learning about survival without destroying other living elements. That is the way of environmentally conscious development.

Minister of Environment and Forestry, Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, echoed these sentiments at the World Environment Day event in Jakarta. He identified climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution as the world's three primary crises. "World Environment Day 2026 is a moment for all of us to reflect, acknowledge our mistakes, and work to mend our relationship with nature," Hidayat remarked. Under the national theme "It's Time to Work for Climate," the government is encouraging public environmental actions, such as waste segregation at the source, as a simple step to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, affirmed that the success of national development agendas hinges on maintaining a quality environment.

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World Environment Day 2026 is a moment for all of us to reflect, acknowledge our mistakes, and work to mend our relationship with nature.