Nur Hidayati Passed Away: Former Leader of Walhi and Greenpeace Who Fought for Indonesia's Environment

Kapanlagi.com - Deep sorrow envelops the environmental world of Indonesia. Nur Hidayati, an inspiring figure and former Executive Director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) for the period 2016-2021, has passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of 51. Her departure leaves profound grief for many who knew her.

This news was announced through the official Instagram account of Greenpeace Indonesia @greenpeaceid, and it immediately invoked a sense of loss in the hearts of environmental activists. Familiarly known as Mbak Yaya, Nur Hidayati dedicated more than two decades of her life to fighting for environmental issues.

Her tireless efforts and dedication have made her a highly respected figure, with extensive experience at the national, regional, and international levels.

Mbak Yaya was not just an environmental advocate; she was a hero fighting for the earth and the future of generations to come. This loss will undoubtedly leave a deep mark, but her spirit and legacy will continue to live on in every step of the struggle for a better environment.

1. The Role and Dedication of Nur Hidayati

Nur Hidayati, or fondly called Yaya, began her career journey at Walhi with various roles, ranging from designing community plans to advocating for environmental policies.

As the Executive Director of Walhi from 2016 to 2021, Yaya not only focused on local issues but also bravely stepped into the international arena, actively engaging in environmental advocacy at the ASEAN and global levels.

With a strong fighting spirit, she undertook various activities, from field research to policy analysis, to protect Indonesia's natural wealth.

Under her leadership, Walhi became increasingly assertive in voicing opposition to projects that threaten environmental sustainability, and Yaya did not hesitate to criticize infrastructure development that neglected sustainability aspects and the needs of local communities.

2. Heavy Challenges: Development that Threatens the Environment

Yaya, a figure who cares about the fate of Indonesia's environment, tirelessly raises a critical voice against infrastructure development that is deemed to damage the ecosystem.

He firmly highlights controversial projects such as reclamation, the construction of high-speed rail, and various other infrastructure initiatives that are often carried out without involving local communities.

According to him, these actions not only threaten very valuable natural resources—such as fertile land, rich seas, and karst areas that are vital for life—but also pose a risk to the food sovereignty of the homeland.

Grandpa Yaya fights to ensure that environmental sustainability and community welfare are not overlooked in every step of development.

3. Message for Environmental Activists

For more than 25 years, Mbak Yaya has been a pillar of the environmental movement, not only as a leader but also as a mentor who inspires many activists.

With unwavering courage, she has always been on the front lines against destructive environmental exploitation practices in Indonesia.

Her colleagues at Greenpeace Indonesia express that Yaya leaves behind a valuable legacy: the message that a true activist must accompany the community with humility, without feeling superior, so that together they can create meaningful change.

4. What makes Nur Hidayati known as an environmental activist?

Nur Hidayati, a figure who has made a name for herself on the stage of environmental advocacy in Indonesia for more than 25 years, is now widely known as the Executive Director of Walhi.

With tireless dedication and fighting spirit, she has made significant contributions to the fight for the preservation of nature and the rights of communities, making her an inspiration for many in the effort to protect our planet.

5. What challenges did Nur Hidayati face in environmental advocacy?

Yaya is now in the midst of a storm of challenges, where the ambition for infrastructure project development has the potential to destroy the balance of nature and disrupt the lives of local communities.

6. What message did Nur Hidayati leave for environmental activists?

Yaya always emphasized the importance of humility for activists in building relationships with the community, reminding them that they should not feel smarter or know everything compared to the people they support.

(kpl/rmt)