The first state minister of the environment of Indonesia (1983-1993), Prof. Emil Salim urged the young generation to commit to sustainable development. Indonesia can save future generations from climate crises, hunger, poverty, and any social problems by implementing sustainable development.
Sustainable development refers to the principle of keeping the quality of life for all human beings in the present and the future. Prof.Emil Salim explained that Indonesia’s sustainable development goal is to enhance society’s quality of life, not only physically but also mentally and Intellectually, by utilizing the natural resources in the right way.
“Young generation, please commit yourself to sustainable development,” said Prof. Emil Salim, through a class Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship for sustainability in MBA Jakarta, SBM-ITB, Saturday, (25/9/2021).
Emil continued, sustainable development is not only talking about the economy but also about the human and natural resources. He stated that SBM ITB MBA students should not do a project that benefits the economy but a disaster for the environment.
Emil then explained an example in the coal industry. Coal brings positive value to the economy due to it producing energy. However, the coal industry also produces pollution harmful to the human body and the environment. As a result, we should consider the negative effect it brings and count it as a cost. “Please take into account not only the economy but also the diseconomies,” Emil Highlighted.
Besides the concerning environment, Emil also highlighted the quality of education of Indonesia in pursuing sustainable development. Emil believed that Indonesia’s DNA is the same with all people worldwide, but why is Indonesia still lagging? According to Emil, education plays an important role. One of Indonesia’s problems right now is that we still have a low education system. As a result, we are still lagging behind other countries in science, technology, and writing.
Lastly, Emil advised that it is for us to implement sustainable development. Indonesia needs to use natural resources in the right way to improve the quality of human life, not only in the present but also for the future generation. Climate crises and low human development should be overcome before 2030, following the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by the United Nations. “In 2030, I’m not here anymore; I’m already up there to monitor Indonesia,” closed Emil, who has a high motivation even though he is over 90 years old age.