Indonesian minister calls for "ecological conversion" amid crises

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat called on all sectors of society to undergo an "ecological conversion" as part of efforts to address the ongoing environmental crisis.

"This is a crucial moment for all of us to practice ecological conversion, namely by reflecting, acknowledging our mistakes, and taking action to repair our relationship with nature," he said in a statement on Sunday.

Speaking during the 2026 World Environment Day commemoration in Jakarta on Saturday, Jumhur said ecological conversion not only encourages environmental protection but also fosters a culture of care and responsibility that can be passed on to future generations.

He highlighted the triple planetary crisis currently facing the world: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.

According to Jumhur, the three crises are interconnected and threaten ecological, economic, and social stability on a global scale.

"It is clear that our planet is in critical condition. That is why we must come together and achieve an ecological conversion," he said.

Jumhur explained that ecological conversion is more than a moral appeal. It is a call to change how humans view the environment and to build awareness that every daily action affects the sustainability of the planet.

Given current global conditions, protecting the environment is no longer an option but a moral and social obligation shared by all sectors of society, he added.

The minister said the concept of ecological conversion aligns with Indonesia's efforts to address climate change through its Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (Enhanced NDC), which targets emissions reductions of 31.89 percent through domestic efforts and 43.20 percent with international support by 2030.

In addition, the government has adopted the Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon and Climate Resilience 2050 (LTS-LCCR 2050) as a roadmap for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.

According to Jumhur, these targets and policies will succeed only if they are accompanied by changes in public behavior and greater environmental awareness.

"We all need to reflect, acknowledge our mistakes, and take action to repair our relationship with nature," he said.

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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Raka Adji

Editor: Anton Santoso

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