Jakarta (ANTARA) - Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that all universities must spearhead science-based green development in Indonesia, in keeping with their role as agents of change.
The minister made the statement while addressing the Rectors' Forum on Collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Universities in Environment Protection and Management in Jakarta on Monday.
Furthermore, he underlined the need for science-based green development for Indonesia, especially to address the country's environmental challenges.
Nurofiq noted that these challenges include the Environmental Quality Index (EQI). Although the national EQI reached 73.53 in 2024, there are still 150 regions with EQI scores below 65.
"This figure is the national average, perhaps mainly supported by regions in Papua and Kalimantan. However, for the island of Java, the EQI is far from being suitable for our living conditions," he remarked.
The EQI is a value that describes the overall quality of the environment in a region at a specific time and is a composite index derived from measures such as the Water Quality Index, Air Quality Index, Land Quality Index, and sometimes additional environmental and sociodemographic factors.
The EQI serves as a tool for stakeholders to formulate environmental policies.
Nurofiq underlined that issues related to waste are another problem in the environmental sector.
"Around 40 percent of environmental problems directly experienced by the community are related to waste management," he pointed out.
According to the Environment Ministry’s National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), 34.2 million tons of waste were generated across Indonesia in 2024, based on reports from 318 districts and cities. Of the total, only 20.4 million tons of waste were properly managed.
Given these diverse environmental issues, the minister expressed hope that universities will truly lead Indonesia's science-based green development initiatives.
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Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq at the Rectors' Forum on Collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Universities in Environment Protection and Management in Jakarta on Monday (July 28, 2025). ANTARA/Tri Meilani Ameliya.
