Their idealism, dreams, and work have inspired many people. They are heroes to all of us.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar felicitated environmental and forestry heroes and innovators at an event held on Friday.

"Our twelve great environmental and forestry heroes, as consistent activists and innovators, have tirelessly dedicated their lives to safeguarding the earth, fighting for a healthy environment, sustainable forests, and the environmental democracy advancement in Indonesia," Bakar stated in an official statement received here on Friday.

Some of the figures honored at the event, 'Prayers for Friends and Awards to Environmental and Forestry Heroes', were environmental activist Emmy Hafild (1958-2021), MS Zulkarnaen (1955-2019), Chairil Shah (1962-2021), Hapsoro (1971-2012), and Den Upa Rombelayuk (1945-2019).

Forestry activist Kus Saritano (1973-2016), environment and forestry activist Agung Nugraha (1969-2021), Dedi Mawardi (1963-2021), environment innovator and environmentalist Maman Suparman (1950-2021), environment innovator and academician Linawati Harjito (1962-2021), and environment innovator and songwriter of "Mars Rimbawan" R. Noto Sukoco and Yahya Bahram were also honored with awards at the event.

The ministry bestowed them with awards and appreciation, which will be handed to their heirs and closest family.

Bakar said she hoped that the prayers and awards would inspire young people working to protect and manage Indonesia's environment and forests.

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She stressed that the activists served with high integrity, commitment, consistency, and dedication, striving to realize a healthy environment, sustainable forests, and progress for Indonesia.

"Their idealism, dreams, and work have inspired many people. They are heroes to all of us," the minister remarked.

Earlier, she also praised the young champions of the 2021 Environmental Day Competition and the 76th anniversary commemoration of Indonesian independence, emphasizing that the pandemic will not limit creativity in contributing to the environment.

The pandemic has served as a lesson to generate solutions that would not only help the nation overcome the suffering caused by the pandemic, but also improve the quality of life and human civilization, she said.

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Translator: Prisca V, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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