"Let's promote real cooperation, technology adoption, capacity building, green investment, research partnerships, and on-the-ground implementation," Hidayat said while opening the 2026 Indonesia International Environment Technology and Innovation Expo and Conference (Invirotech) here on Thursday.
He expressed optimism that Indonesia has strong capital to become a leader in environmental and climate action, given its rich biodiversity, vast landscapes, resilient communities, creative young generation, and continuously growing innovation potential.
"These assets must be managed responsibly, with a long-term vision and measurable real action. Development should no longer be positioned in opposition to environmental protection; the two must go hand in hand," Hidayat said.
At Invirotech 2026, a total of 99 participants took part, representing ministries/agencies, regional governments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), domestic and foreign private companies, international organizations, communities, startups, and universities.
They showcased various innovations in waste and wastewater management, water and air pollution control, waste-to-energy technology, renewable energy, water and soil conservation, environmental quality monitoring, environmental digitalization, and technologies supporting low-carbon development.
Meanwhile, attendance on the first day of the exhibition reached 4,000 visitors, including more than 3,000 school and university students representing Generation Z.
"Invirotech 2026 is a platform that brings together ideas and needs, technology and field challenges, innovation and policy, as well as commitment and implementation," Hidayat said.
During Invirotech 2026, the Kalpataru Award was also presented to 16 environmental champions, while Indonesian environmental figure Professor Emil Salim received a lifetime achievement award.
Invirotech 2026 will run for three days, from June 11 to 13, 2026.
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Translator: Anita, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
