Profile of Nur Hidayati Walhi, a Figure Who Dedicated Her Life to Fighting Environmental Destruction in Indonesia

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian environmental community is in deep mourning over the passing of the highly respected figure, Nur Hidayati, affectionately known as Yaya. The former Executive Director of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) for the 2016-2021 period left us on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of 51 after battling cancer for the past year.

This sad news was conveyed by Greenpeace Indonesia through a post on their official Instagram account. In the post, they wrote, "Ms. Yaya was an inspiration and a true environmental warrior who was always at the forefront." This statement reflects the immense influence and dedication Yaya had in advocating for environmental issues in the country.

Many inspiring stories recount the life journey of Nur Hidayati, who has become a role model for many. As reported by Liputan6.com, Yaya is not only known as an activist but also as a source of motivation for those concerned about environmental sustainability. Her courage and spirit will always be remembered and serve as an inspiration for future generations.

1. The Life Journey and Career of Nur Hidayati

Nur Hidayati, fondly called Mbak Yaya, was born in Surabaya on August 14, 1973, and grew up in Jakarta in a family environment that always supported her to achieve her dreams independently. After completing her education at high school, she continued her studies at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) thanks to the encouragement of her sister, Nur Amalia, who was active in non-governmental organizations.

Graduating in 1997, Mbak Yaya immediately plunged into the world of environmental advocacy by joining Walhi as a project officer, where she bravely faced significant challenges, including handling environmental pollution cases involving giants like PT Indorayon and PT Freeport Indonesia.

2. Career at Walhi and Her Role in the International Arena

Since 2016, Yaya has established herself as the National Executive Director of Walhi, after previously holding the position of Head of the Advocacy Department and collaborating with various organizations, including Greenpeace Indonesia.

With a strong fighting spirit, Yaya tirelessly campaigns on issues of climate change and energy, even having served as the Country Representative for Greenpeace Indonesia.

As a committed environmental activist, she dares to confront corporate giants that she sees as the main enemies of the earth's sustainability, making her a formidable figure in the struggle for environmental protection.

3. Critical Attitude

In the midst of the bustling infrastructure development, Yaya tirelessly voiced sharp criticism against projects that disregard environmental sustainability.

For her, reclamation and mega-structure development are not only threats to nature but also to food sovereignty and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on natural resources.

With a high fighting spirit, Yaya also actively raised issues of deforestation and corruption practices in this sector. In 2018, she bravely held a meeting with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), urging the institution to more vigorously follow up on community reports, especially those involving regional heads in various provinces.

4. Influence and Legacy of the Struggle

Yaya, a mentor and friend to many, is known as the front line in the fight against environmental destruction. Dandhy Laksono, a senior journalist, described Yaya as a tireless role model activist until the end of her life.

"Since 2010, I have known her as a campaigner for Greenpeace Indonesia on nuclear energy issues. Her knowledge and way of speaking are very impressive, along with her rare consistency. She is a role model activist. Farewell, Mbak Yaya, my prayers accompany you back to the Creator, the true source of energy," wrote Dandhy in the comments section of Instagram @greenpeaceid.

Although Yaya has now passed away, her spirit of always listening to the voice of the people will continue to live on and inspire future generations.

She became a symbol of unwavering struggle in the environmental movement in Indonesia, and in her last speech, she emphasized the importance of consolidation and solidarity to fight against corporations that harm nature.

5. What are Nur Hidayati's struggles in the environment?

Nur Hidayati, affectionately called Yaya, is an tireless environmental activist. As the Executive Director of Walhi, she dedicates her life to addressing various crucial issues, ranging from environmental damage due to mining exploitation to the impacts of coastal reclamation and land clearing for palm oil plantations.

Not only that, Yaya also collaborates with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in efforts to firmly combat corruption practices in the natural resources sector that harm ecosystems. With passion and dedication, she strives to save the earth for future generations.

6. Why is Walhi important in environmental advocacy in Indonesia?

The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) is at the forefront of the struggle to protect the environment in the country.

With a burning spirit, Walhi is committed to advocating for the rights of communities to a clean and healthy environment, and bravely opposes all forms of exploitation carried out by companies and the government.

In every step, Walhi not only becomes a voice for nature but also for communities that have the right to a better life.

7. How does Nur Hidayati support communities affected by development projects?

Nur Hidayati tirelessly stands at the forefront of environmental advocacy, with a burning spirit she helps communities face the challenges posed by destructive projects.

Through the training she organizes, she empowers residents to enhance their capacities, while also accompanying them in their struggle against the negative impacts threatening their environment.

Not only that, Nur also directly engages in the field, immersing herself in and understanding the real conditions faced by affected communities, making her a figure who not only speaks but also takes real action for change.

8. What is Nur Hidayati's contribution to fighting climate change?

As a relentless advocate for climate change, Yaya not only plays an active role in Greenpeace and Walhi but also becomes a loud voice in the movement to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and oppose the use of nuclear energy.

With a burning spirit, she pushes for the creation of more environmentally friendly and sustainable policies, both at the national and international levels, for a better future for the earth.

(kpl/rmt)