Global Environmental Activists and Their Real World Impacts

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Indonesia’s environmental conditions are currently far from ideal. River pollution, deforestation, and the climate crisis are increasingly felt in everyday life. Unfortunately, many of these impacts happen gradually, so we often fail to notice them.

Amid this situation, the role of environmental activists has become more relevant and urgent in maintaining the balance of nature. Through education, advocacy, and real action, these environmental advocates strive to bring about change that often goes unnoticed by the public.

Curious to explore more deeply how the roles and actions of environmental activists work and create real impact on the environment? Read more information in this article!

What Is an Environmental Activist?

According to Richmond Vale Academy, an environmental activist is an individual or group that works to protect the environment from damage and pollution by advocating for policy changes, organizing protests or boycotts, and conducting scientific research to raise awareness of climate change.

In addition, some environmental activists adopt eco-friendly practices, such as purchasing organic products or using recycled materials.

Regardless of their approach, environmental activists share the same goal: to protect and preserve Earth’s sustainability for future generations.

Why Are Environmental Activists Needed?

Environmental activists are needed because environmental degradation continues, and its impacts are increasingly affecting daily life. Pollution, deforestation, and climate change not only damage ecosystems but also directly affect human health.

On the other hand, many of the impacts of environmental damage are not immediately recognized by the public. This is where environmental activists play a crucial role in educating people, presenting data, and highlighting issues that often go unnoticed.

Without environmental activists, many environmental problems risk being normalized and allowed to persist. Through advocacy and concrete action, they push for change to ensure the environment remains protected for present and future generations.

Examples of Environmental Activists in Indonesia and Their Real Actions

Indonesia has many environmental activists who actively protect nature through diverse methods and approaches. Here are some Indonesian environmental activists and their contributions to creating a real impact on the nation’s natural environment.

Prigi Arisandi

Prigi Arisandi is an environmental activist who has consistently fought against river pollution in Indonesia. He is the founder of ECOTON (Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation), an organization focused on protecting river and wetland ecosystems, particularly in East Java.

Many of Prigi Arisandi’s concrete actions are implemented through water quality research, industrial waste testing, and community education in river-basin areas. These findings are then communicated to the public and the government as a form of environmental policy advocacy.

In 2011, Prigi Arisandi received the Goldman Environmental Prize for his efforts in reducing industrial pollution in the Surabaya River. In 2024, he was awarded the Environmental Humanitarian Award by Humanity Awards.

Aleta Baun

Aleta Baun, also known as Mama Aleta, is an environmental activist from East Nusa Tenggara who advocates for the protection of forests and water sources in indigenous territories.

She is from the Mollo community and is widely recognized for her peaceful resistance to marble mining in the Mutis Mountains.

Aleta Baun’s real actions include organizing indigenous communities, especially women, to protect their ancestral lands. One of her most iconic forms of protest was weaving at mining sites as a symbol of nonviolent resistance.

These efforts halted mining operations in several locations and demonstrated that indigenous, community-based movements can have tangible impacts on environmental conservation and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

In recognition of her efforts in organizing hundreds of villagers to oppose mining projects in western East Nusa Tenggara, Aleta Baun was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2013.

Rudi Putra

Rudi Putra is an environmental activist known for his role in protecting the Leuser Ecosystem in Aceh. He is actively involved in exposing and combating illegal forest encroachment that threatens the habitat of endangered wildlife, such as the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros.

Through intensive fieldwork, Rudi Putra monitors, documents, and reports forest destruction to the authorities. His efforts have contributed to the closure of several illegal palm oil plantations and the restoration of protected areas. For these actions, Rudi Putra was awarded the 2014 Goldman Environmental Prize.

Yuyun Ismawati

Yuyun Ismawati is an environmental activist known for boldly highlighting waste-related issues and their impacts on human health. She began her advocacy with problems often considered trivial, such as household waste and industrial pollution.

Through a research- and field data–based approach, Yuyun actively pushes for changes in industrial practices to make them more responsible. She is also involved in various national and international forums to raise awareness about pollution, hazardous substances, and people’s right to a healthy environment.

In 2009, Yuyun Ismawati was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for her sustainable, community-based waste management and sanitation program called SANIMAS. The program successfully created job opportunities for low-income communities and helped empower them to improve environmental conditions in Indonesia.

Emil Salim

Prof. Dr. Emil Salim is a legendary Indonesian figure known as an economist, politician, and pioneer of the environmental conservation movement. His background in economics enabled him to view environmental degradation not only as an ecological issue but also as a long-term development challenge.

Throughout his career, Emil Salim held several important government positions, including Minister of Transportation, Minister of State for Population and Environment, and Minister of State for Development Supervision and Environment.

While serving as Minister of State for Development Supervision and the Environment, Emil Salim helped establish several environmental regulations that remain foundational to policy today. He introduced the sustainable development approach, emphasizing a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.

Emil Salim is also recognized internationally. One of the honors he received is The Leader for the Living Planet Award from the World Wide Fund (WWF).

This concludes the information on environmental activists, some of the well-known ones in Indonesia, and the tangible actions they have taken to protect nature. Their efforts show that positive change can start from consistent concern and action.

As an Indonesian citizen, you can also contribute to environmental conservation through Indonesia Asri. Through the #AksiAsri program, you can directly participate in real-world activities aligned with the spirit of environmental activism, from clean-up campaigns to sustainability initiatives.

By contributing, every small step you take becomes part of a bigger change for the Earth. Join as a Warga Asri today and take real action for a more sustainable environment for future generations!