Jakarta (ANTARA) - Sustainability efforts should not be seen as a burden for businesses but as the foundation of the industry's future, according to a senior Indonesian environment official.

"It is a primary requirement for industry to survive in the future. Growth without sustainability is impossible," Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono said in a statement on Thursday.

Speaking at the 2025 Environmental and Social Innovation Awards (ENSIA) in Jakarta on September 16, he noted that today’s main challenge for business leaders is balancing economic growth with sustainability.

"If we continue business as usual, by 2050, about 2,000 islands in Indonesia could be submerged due to rising sea levels," he warned, adding that global average temperatures have already hit record highs and are projected to keep rising until 2026.

To address the crisis, the government has set ambitious targets under the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), including 100 percent waste management by 2029.

The plan also aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 31.89 percent independently and up to 43.2 percent with international support by 2030, in line with Indonesia’s Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Diaz stressed that corporate innovation in green technology and environmental management should be treated as an opportunity, not a burden.

He also underlined the importance of integrating sustainability into the corporate performance rating program, which now evaluates waste and emissions management.

"The government cannot work alone. The private sector must be the driving force behind green innovation so we can achieve the net zero emission target by 2050," Diaz said.

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