Economists Who Choose to Stand on the Side of the Environment

Road construction can facilitate the movement of people and goods, but opening new access can also increase pressure on forest areas. Industry creates jobs, but poor waste management threatens rivers and public health.

Mining brings revenue to the state and region. On the other hand, these activities can leave land damage, pollution and social problems if not managed responsibly.

The issue is not simply choosing development or the environment. Indonesia needs development, but this development must maintain the foundations of life that support it.

When the Environment Enters Government

In 1978, President Soeharto appointed Emil Salim as State Minister for Development and Environmental Supervision. This position makes him the first minister in Indonesia to receive a special mandate in environmental affairs.

At that time, the government's attention to the environment was still in its early stages. The institutions have only just been built, the legal instruments are limited, while the interests of development and utilization of natural resources are moving very quickly.

Emil's job is not just to manage a new ministry. He must introduce the environment as part of development to the bureaucracy, business actors, academics and the public.

This job is certainly not easy. Environmental issues are often considered to be discussed after economic matters are resolved. Nature protection is often seen as an obstacle to investment and development.