Minister of Environment Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq: Environmental Investment Is an Investment in the Nation’s Future
Banjarmasin — “Progress is not just about doing more, but about doing better,” was the meaningful message delivered by Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia and alumnus of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), in his opening speech at the 6th International Conference on Chemical Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICChEAS), held at the Fugo Hotel Banjarmasin on Thursday (10/16/2025).
At the conference, themed “Borneo’s Mangroves: A Nexus of Biodiversity, Sustainable Futures, and Carbon Sequestration,” Dr. Hanif highlighted three important elements—biodiversity, a sustainable future, and carbon sequestration—as interconnected chains that are key to the balance between humans, prosperity, and the planet.
“We live in a so-called Wicked Age—issues like climate change, pollution, and food security—that are interconnected and lack simple solutions. However, these challenges are not a sign of failure, but rather a reflection of the real complexity of life on Earth,” he said.
As a long-time environmentalist, Dr. Hanif emphasized that development must be carried out with principles of ecological balance and responsibility. He emphasized that chemical engineering is no longer merely an industrial discipline, but rather a part of sustainability science, playing a vital role in designing clean technologies, managing waste to energy, and developing a low-carbon, circular economy.
“Chemistry should protect, not harm. Innovation should serve life and well-being. This is the essence of green chemistry—ethical leadership that creates with care,” he emphasized.
In his speech, Dr. Hanif also emphasized the importance of universities in shaping a generation that not only thinks logically and scientifically, but also empathizes and cares about the social impact of every innovation.
“True transformation begins with education. When lecturers encourage students to think beyond formulas, understand social impact, and view their work as part of a humanitarian responsibility,” he said.
As an alumnus now active at the national level, Dr. Hanif expressed his pride in his alma mater, Lambung Mangkurat University, for hosting this prestigious international conference. In an interview, he assessed that ULM holds a strategic position in the development of environmental research and policy, particularly regarding the peat and mangrove ecosystems in Kalimantan, which hold significant potential for global climate change mitigation.
“Kalimantan has an extraordinary comparative advantage—its peat and mangrove areas are among the largest in Indonesia. We must safeguard and utilize this potential through global collaboration for climate mitigation and sustainable economic development,” he explained.
He added that environmental investment is not about exploiting nature, but rather about managing natural resources as long-term capital that is valuable for the nation’s economy and sustainability.
“To build, we don’t need to destroy. Let’s start improving. Our advantage lies in our natural resources that can be valued globally—one way is through carbon trading and green innovation,” he added.
Through these reflective and visionary messages, Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq affirmed ULM’s role not only as a higher education institution but also as a center for the birth of sustainable ideas that connect science, empathy, and ethical leadership. His presence inspires ULM’s academic community to continue making real contributions to the environment, society, and a better future for the earth.
