The GREAT Institute welcomed the appointment of one of its leaders, Moh Jumhur Hidayat, as Minister of Environment in the cabinet reshuffle carried out by Prabowo Subianto on Monday (27/4) afternoon.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of GREAT Institute, Syahganda Nainggolan, stated that Jumhur Hidayat’s inclusion in President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet not only represents the labor movement, but also activists who have consistently remained on the path of struggle.
“This is a long struggle of activists, going in and out of prison repeatedly until finally becoming a minister,” Syahganda said during a gathering between the GREAT Institute and Minister of Environment Moh Jumhur Hidayat in Jakarta on Monday night (27/4).
Syahganda admitted that he initially felt conflicted because the labor movement ended up obtaining the Ministry of Environment portfolio. According to him, Jumhur will now fight against oligarchs who damage the environment.
“This is not about a position, but about a new war,” Syahganda stressed.
Because the mission involves confronting oligarchy, Syahganda continued, President Prabowo chose a representative of labor. “Jumhur is the avant-garde against oligarchy,” he said.
Syahganda also urged the activists present at the gathering to continue supporting Jumhur in carrying out his duties as Minister of Environment.
Minister of Environment Moh Jumhur Hidayat himself acknowledged that the task ahead is extremely difficult, particularly in enforcing environmental ethics amid the growing demand for investment.
“This is unlike other ministries that focus on physical development and are more easily accepted by society. Our duty is to safeguard ethics from the impacts of development itself,” Jumhur explained.
He emphasized that as Minister of Environment, he seeks to uphold ethical principles related to the consequences of development. Nevertheless, Jumhur stated that he is ready to face these challenges, just as he has throughout his years as an activist.
He expressed hope for support from fellow activists, workers, and the broader public in upholding environmental ethics.
The gathering also became a meeting point for several prominent figures, ranging from veteran Malari Incident activist Hariman Siregar to political observer Rocky Gerung.
Other figures present to show support included Hilmi Rahman Ibrahim, Delphredo, Sunarti, Ardianto, Daeng Wahidin, as well as well-known figures Poppy Dharsono and Ahmad Yani.
