"The flood that occurred at the end of March (2025) must be a warning. Karst is not just a rock -- it stores water, supports daily life, and reflects the balance of nature," the minister said in a statement released on Monday.
He reviewed the implementation of environmental restoration in the Gunung Sewu Gunungkidul karst ecosystem area in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
His visit demonstrated the government's strong commitment to encouraging the transformation of ex-mining land management into a living and economic space that supports the community.
"The community is trying to transform the exploitative activities of limestone to conservation. It is not an easy job, so I really support and appreciate what the community has carried out here in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem," he said.
The Gunung Sewu Gunungkidul karst area is a national strategic protected area spanning more than 75 thousand hectares. However, a long history of limestone mining has caused ecological damage to the area.
Therefore, using a regenerative approach, the Ministry of Environment, along with the local government and the community, is currently carrying out a recovery solution that not only focuses on ecological aspects, but also restores the dignity of residents and empowers them.
"Karst is an important area considering its higher carbon sink compared to trees. If the world's carbon storage is disturbed, it will be dangerous (for the environment)," Nurofiq explained.
One of the recovered areas is the Argo Wijil Ecological Market in Gari village, Wonosari district, Gunungkidul, an active mining site from 1976 to 2006. It has now been transformed into a village economic center.
At present, the market managed by a local village-owned enterprise (BUMDes) is helping revive the economic activities of residents, including dozens of local traders, most of whom are housewives and former miners.
"We cannot talk about environmental restoration if the people living around it are not empowered. We are not just here to plant trees or build reservoirs, but to plant hope and build independence," he added.
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Translator: Hery Sidik, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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