“Biodiversity is a source of food, medicine, and energy. Its utilization must be managed through science, technology, and biotechnology,” Hanif, who also serves as Head of the Environmental Control Agency (BPLH), said in a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Friday.
Speaking at the National Coordination Meeting on Biodiversity Management Implementation in the Regions, Hanif emphasized that Indonesia’s biodiversity is not only an ecological pride but also a strategic asset for the country’s future.
He reminded that Indonesia is one of the world’s mega-biodiversity countries, ranking second after Brazil according to the Global Biodiversity Index.
From 22 types of natural ecosystems and 98 vegetation types, Indonesia holds extraordinary wealth: 9.7 percent of the world’s flowering plants, 14 percent of mammals, 18.6 percent of bird species, and 38.9 percent of marine mammals.
As an archipelagic country with more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia also has a strategic position in the world’s coral triangle.
Hanif added that the bioindustry derived from biodiversity management must provide real benefits for communities while ensuring environmental sustainability.
He also underlined the importance of recognizing traditional knowledge maintained by indigenous and local communities. Such wisdom has long served as the first line of defense for ecosystems, ensuring that the benefits of biodiversity can be passed down across generations.
During the coordination meeting held in Jakarta on Thursday (September 18), Hanif highlighted the need to establish High Conservation Value Areas (HCVA) in each region. These areas extend beyond forests to include peatlands, savannas, karst landscapes, inland waters, and marine ecosystems.
Local governments are encouraged to develop Regional Biodiversity Profiles, Master Plans for Management, and Biodiversity Parks as conservation tools and public education facilities.
Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control at the Ministry of Environment/BPLH, Rasio Ridho Sani, in a similar statement stressed that biodiversity conservation must go hand in hand with strong environmental governance.
“The integration of biodiversity-rich areas must be included in spatial planning and business licensing,” Rasio said.
He emphasized that protection should not be limited to core zones but must also cover corridors, buffer zones, and ecosystems beyond formal conservation areas. Restoration and environmentally friendly utilization practices are key to ensuring long-term benefits for society.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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