These are the three professors of IPB University who received the KLHK Award as Environmental Fighters
Three Professors of IPB University were honoured at the Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement Festival, Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) RI with the category as Environmental Fighters. The award was given during the Gakkum Awards 2023 event in Jakarta, recently.
They are Prof Etty Riani, Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo and Prof Basuki Wasis. The three Professors of IPB University are considered as figures who are very consistent with their knowledge, especially in environmental and forestry law enforcement so they deserve to be awarded.
Prof Etty Riani is an IPB University Pollution and Ecotoxicology Expert from the Study Programme (Prodi) of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK). Much of her research is related to microplastics and their additives. She is also actively researching related to contamination of various hazardous and toxic materials (B3) in aquatic ecosystems and in mining activities, as well as various ecotoxicological studies on aquatic organisms and various other organisms.
Prof Etty has published many scientific papers on these topics, both in national and international journals, as well as in several books. She is also a frequent guest speaker at various scientific events, appearing in various mass media and popular writings in domestic and foreign newspapers. He also often testifies in district courts and high courts to fight for the environment due to pollution.
“Preventing pollution and environmental damage is one of God’s commands to humans. Therefore, this command should always be implemented in our daily lives,” Prof Etty said.
“What must be remembered is that more and more hazardous substances are circulating in our lives, but we often do not realise the danger. Even though the hazardous substances are generally not immediately deadly, they can destroy all aspects of life,” she said.
According to her, the danger of hazardous waste will trigger the emergence of various degenerative diseases in humans, even physical and mental disabilities in children as the hope and successor of the nation, as well as result in environmental damage, extinction of various living things.
“These conditions ultimately cause development to be unsustainable, so if left unchecked, it will greatly hamper the achievement of the Golden Indonesia 2045,” she said.
Therefore, Prof Etty advised, “Whatever happens, we must always fight to preserve the environment, prevent pollution, and punish polluters and environmental destroyers, even though we have to face the risk of being antagonised by various parties who are not in line.”
Meanwhile, Prof Bambang Hero Saharjo is a Professor of IPB University in the field of forest protection. He has the expertise to trace the route and source of fires. Prof Bambang has testified in 500 court cases investigating fire cases. He also helps local groups understand the health impacts and environmental damage.
“Do the best for your religion and nation, even if your life is at stake. Do it sincerely and honestly and for the sake of Allah Swt alone. Do the best you can with real action, show them that you are part of the solution and not part of the problem,” Prof Bambang said.
Another IPB University Professor, Prof Basuki Wasis, is a lecturer at the Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Environment (Fahutan). He is an expert in soil science and environmental damage. He has also been appointed as an expert witness by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to calculate environmental damage.
The award was given in order to realise system reform and law enforcement of the environment and forestry that is free of corruption, dignified and reliable. The award is given by KLHK to institutions and environmental fighters for their real support and commitment to improving the performance of law enforcement in the field of environment and forestry in Indonesia. (dh/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
