President Prabowo Subianto has expressed profound condolences following devastating floods and landslides that struck Sumatra Island. Three provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, bore the brunt of these natural disasters, experiencing severe impacts.
Prabowo underscored that these catastrophic events are direct consequences of global warming and pervasive environmental damage. He highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address these pressing issues.
“Currently, the world faces climate challenges, global warming, and environmental degradation. These are challenges we must confront head-on,” Prabowo declared during his address at the pinnacle of National Teacher’s Day 2025, held at the Indonesia Arena in Central Jakarta on Friday, November 28.
According to the President, these critical environmental issues must become a significant concern for educators nationwide. He specifically urged teachers to integrate the importance of environmental protection into their curricula, fostering a new generation conscious of ecological stewardship.
“Teachers across Indonesia can start, and I am confident many have already begun. We need to further incorporate into our syllabus the vital awareness of protecting our natural environment,” Prabowo emphasized, stressing the foundational role of education in shaping a sustainable future.
The former Defense Minister then drew attention to the rampant logging and extensive deforestation, which he identified as primary triggers for recurrent flooding. His remarks underlined the direct link between human activity and the escalating frequency and intensity of natural calamities.
“We must safeguard our forests, diligently prevent logging, stop forest destruction, and ensure our rivers remain clean. This will enable them to properly channel sudden surges of water,” Prabowo asserted, advocating for robust conservation efforts and responsible land management.
Transitioning to a broader perspective on national progress, Prabowo firmly stressed that the success and advancement of any nation are inextricably linked to the quality of its education system. He conveyed a vision where every segment of society contributes to this collective endeavor.
“This will be our collective effort, with every household playing an integral role. Truly, the development, awakening, and success of a nation will ultimately be determined by the quality of education within that nation,” Prabowo concluded, reinforcing the pivotal role of educational excellence in driving national prosperity.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto expressed profound condolences following devastating floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. He attributed these catastrophic events directly to global warming and pervasive environmental damage. Prabowo specifically identified rampant logging and extensive deforestation as primary triggers for the recurrent flooding in Sumatra.
He emphasized the urgent need for collective action and urged educators nationwide to integrate environmental protection into their curricula. Prabowo called for safeguarding forests, preventing logging, stopping forest destruction, and ensuring rivers remain clean to properly channel water surges. This highlights the foundational role of education and conservation in mitigating future environmental calamities.