By: Muhammad Iqbal)*
The government’s launch of the Indonesia ASRI movement marks a significant milestone in the reassertion of environmental governance as a national strategic priority. Amidst the challenges of climate change, population growth, urbanization, and increasing waste volume, Indonesia requires a new approach that is not only administrative but also cultural and moral. The launch of this movement demonstrates the growing awareness that environmental issues cannot be solved in isolation but require policy orchestration, exemplary leadership, and consistent public participation.
The waste issue in Indonesia has long been a development paradox. On the one hand, economic growth and consumption activity signal increasing public welfare. However, on the other hand, the surge in waste production is a consequence that has not been fully addressed by an adequate management system. Many regions still grapple with limited infrastructure, poor waste sorting practices at source, and a lack of collective awareness that waste is a shared responsibility. In this context, the Indonesia ASRI Movement exists as an effort to rebuild national discipline in viewing the environment as the foundation of sustainability.
President Prabowo Subianto has positioned the waste issue as a serious threat to public health and environmental quality. His directive to central and regional government officials to regularly conduct environmental cleanups reflects a leadership approach that emphasizes leading by example. This message implies that cultural change begins with state officials as role models. When the bureaucracy demonstrates clean and environmentally friendly living practices, the public is more likely to follow suit.
An interesting dimension of the ASRI Indonesia Movement is the inclusion of a values and spirituality approach through the ecotheology concept, reinforced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This approach positions environmental preservation as part of human moral and religious responsibility. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar encouraged connecting religious messages with ecological awareness, so that preserving nature is understood as part of devotion to God and concern for others. This perspective is relevant for religious Indonesians, as it bridges environmental policy with values lived in everyday life.
Mainstreaming ecotheology also has long-term potential in shaping the character of the younger generation. When environmental issues are incorporated into madrasah education, religious universities, and Islamic outreach programs, ecological awareness is no longer a seasonal phenomenon. It becomes part of the mindset. The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ move to reduce the use of single-use plastics in its workplace is an example of how major changes begin with small, consistent habits. Transformation of environmental governance often depends not on advanced technology, but on behavioral changes.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment emphasized that consistency is key. Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasized that the waste problem cannot be addressed simply by symbolic actions. Continuity, enforcement of regulations, and cross-sector collaboration are needed. The waste management effort involving thousands of personnel in South Tangerang demonstrates that the government is beginning to view this issue as an emergency requiring a systematic response. Data on the vast amount of unmanaged urban waste serves as a reminder that time for improvement is running out.
Law enforcement is an aspect often overlooked in environmental discourse, yet it is crucial. Many residential areas and businesses have the capacity to manage waste independently, but they haven’t done so optimally. Without oversight and sanctions, discipline is difficult to establish. Therefore, the emphasis on regulatory aspects demonstrates the government’s desire to provide environmental governance that is not only persuasive but also firm.
The goal of eliminating waste completely by 2029 is a major ambition that requires careful planning. Waste processing infrastructure, recycling technology, and source-sorting systems must be developed simultaneously. Local governments play a key role because they are the ones directly dealing with the realities on the ground. The law has given regional heads authority, so the success of this movement depends heavily on local commitment, not just central directives.
Furthermore, the ASRI Indonesia Movement can be a gateway to a circular economy. Waste is no longer viewed as final waste, but as a resource that can be recycled into valuable products. If managed seriously, this sector can create jobs, stimulate MSMEs, and reduce pressure on the environment. This is where environmental governance intersects the agenda of sustainable economic development.
The greatest hope of this movement is the birth of a new culture. A culture of cleanliness, discipline, and environmental awareness must become a collective identity, not just a government program. When people begin to feel ashamed of littering and take pride in keeping public spaces clean, that’s when true change will occur. Countries that successfully manage the environment generally rely not only on regulations but also on strong social norms.
Ultimately, the Indonesia ASRI movement is not just about waste, but about a perspective on the future. A well-maintained environment is a prerequisite for health, productivity, and quality of life. Without good environmental governance, development risks losing its meaning. Therefore, this movement deserves to be seen as an investment in civilization. Consistency, collaboration, and exemplary behavior will determine whether this new hope truly translates into real change for a safer, healthier, tidier, and more beautiful Indonesia.
*The author is a social observer