Minister of Environment: Don't destroy nature under the pretext of ecotourism

WEST BANDUNG, GARISBUMI.com – Ecotourism development must preserve nature, not be an excuse to damage the environment. Minister of the Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH)) Moh Jumhur Hidayat emphasized that ease of licensing tourism businesses needs to be accompanied by compliance with environmental regulations.

This confirmation was conveyed during a work visit and tree planting in the Dusun Bambu Ecotourism area, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Tuesday (29/9/2026).

"As long as the rules are followed, there should be no contradictions. So the rules below, in derivative areas, should also make it easier as long as the business complies with or fulfills the requirements for protecting the environment. But if the activities actually damage the environment under the pretext of ecotourism then that is not allowed," said Jumhur, in a written statement from KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH), Wednesday (30/9/2026).

According to Jumhur, ecological tourism or ecotourism can drive the economy while supporting nature conservation. Therefore, the use of natural wealth and biodiversity by business actors needs to be accompanied by cooperation to protect the ecosystem.

"The government is very serious about encouraging ecotourism or ecological tourism because it is an economic activity that can also glorify the environment," he said.

Jumhur expressed his support for the ease of licensing ecotourism businesses to encourage green investment. However, this support applies to business activities that meet environmental protection requirements.