Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry
Set to Campaign for the Environment through Films

Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Dr. Ir. Siti Nurbaya Bakar, M.Sc speaks
during the discussion and film screening in her office

The Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Dr. Ir. Siti Nurbaya Bakar, M.Sc, set to campaign for the environment through a series of films with environment theme, targeting the young generation. Among these films are the overall winner of the International Film Festival for Environment, Health, and Culture (IFFEHC) 2016, Home, directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand from France, a music film Songs for Nature by Natasha Dematra, and a series of other environmental films.

This discussion was held at the Ministry of Environment and Forests office, and was attended by the Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry herself, former Minister of State for Environment, Ir. Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, former Indonesian presidential spokesman, Wimar Witoelar, Board of Echelon 1 and 2 of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, environmental activists, founder and director of the IFFEHC, Damien Dematra, and members of Creative People's Council.

After watching parts of the films, Wimar Witoelar said that he supports the screening of this film as part of the environmental campaign. The strength of the film is in its sound. In order for the message to be delivered well to the people of Indonesia, the film screening must be supported by good sound.” His statement was responded by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Dr. Ir. Siti Nurbaya Bakar, M.Sc, saying that a series of films will be screened for the Indonesian students in theaters. “Film can change a country," she said with optimism. This belief seemed to be strengthened after attending the Paris Climate Change Conference in Paris recently. The French state officials recommended this movie to the Minister, suggesting that this film has succeeded in changing the French society’s mindset.

Former State Minister for Environment, Ir. Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, and the Board of Echelon 1 and 2 also provided their supports and gave positive feedback after watching parts of the films and hope that these films can be watched by as many Indonesian people as possible.

According to Damien Dematra, the cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and IFFEHC festival is to commemorate the World Environment Day 2016.