Indonesian minister seeks ecosystem recovery through legal action

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Environment Minister M. Jumhur Hidayat has stressed that enforcement of environmental regulations must be accompanied by efforts to restore ecosystems damaged by environmental violations.

In a statement received here on Wednesday, he emphasized that court rulings alone are insufficient to deliver environmental justice, underscoring the importance of expanding environmental recovery efforts.

"Nature cannot testify in courtrooms. Rivers cannot lodge reports, forests cannot file lawsuits, and coral reefs cannot take an oath. It is experts who represent their voices. Law is blind without science, and science is paralyzed in the absence of law," Jumhur said.

Speaking after opening the 2026 Environmental Experts Forum in Bali on Tuesday (Oct. 20), he stressed that scientific evidence is essential to uncovering the facts behind environmental damage.

In this regard, the minister said experts can play a vital role by providing data and objective analysis to bridge science and the judicial system.

He added that the government had taken concrete steps to promote recovery-oriented law enforcement, including filing lawsuits in early 2026 against six companies over their alleged involvement in environmental damage affecting more than 2,500 hectares in North Sumatra.

The lawsuits seek a total of Rp4.8 trillion (more than US$266 million) in compensation for the damage.

Jumhur further noted that the Environment Ministry respects the ongoing legal proceedings and assured the public that all legal measures are aimed at restoring the environment.

Hamdi, chair of the Supreme Court's Civil Chamber, echoed the minister's remarks, emphasizing the need for a holistic judicial approach to environmental violations.

"Enforcing environmental regulations must not stop at uncovering violations and imposing penalties. It is equally vital that we ensure the restoration of damaged environments," he said.

He also called for stronger protection for affected communities and greater efforts to prevent future violations.

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Translator: P.T. Violleta, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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