Environmental Ministry Backs Religious Decree to Prevent Water Waste

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq supports the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) fatwa that prohibits dumping waste into rivers, lakes, and the sea.

Minister Hanif said that the fatwa represents an effort to strengthen environmental pollution control. He expressed his belief that Indonesia is currently under serious pressure due to the waste crisis, which impacts environmental quality, public health, and climate change.

"We can no longer delay. Uncontrolled waste from land will end up in rivers and seas," he said in a statement on Monday, February 16, 2026.

He added that technical and regulatory approaches must be strengthened alongside public moral awareness for effective waste management.

Meanwhile, MUI Deputy Secretary General for Economic Affairs Hazujali Halim said that the fatwa prohibiting the dumping of waste into waterways is a form of responsibility and represents his institution's response to environmental damage.

"This fatwa represents a form of religious responsibility in responding to ongoing environmental damage. Dumping waste into rivers, lakes, and the sea violates regulations and goes against the principle of maintaining public welfare," Hazu acknowleged.

He added that the fatwa is expected to strengthen public awareness of environmental sustainability and prevent water pollution. The Ministry of Environment/BPLH emphasized that waste management must be comprehensive, starting with source reduction, increasing public literacy, and enforcing consistent laws. ***