Youthvironment

By: Zaenudin | STBA JIA

We live in a fertile earth, growing various kinds of plants. From the small
one, to the big one. Fruits, flowers, vegetables and others. From what can be
eaten, to what is poisoned, and many more that we can take from nature. Let's
talk about forest. Where so many trees that grow with lush and make it cool and
as the most important part in the natural ecosystem. Indonesia has large forests,
especially in the tropical rainforest. Basically, the spread of tropical rainforests in
Indonesia are on large islands such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and
Papua.

The geographical location of Indonesia, which is in the tropics, certainly

makes our forests the lungs of the world. Isn't that very important for the survival
of the Indonesian people in particular and the world in general? With that, there
are many different types of flora and fauna that inhabit it. However, it is very
unfortunate. Forest fires often occur and devastate hectares of land. Flames
engulf it, clouds of smoke envelope it. Regarding this disaster, there are at least
two causes. The first relates to human activity deliberately burning it with the aim
of opening new land for agriculture or plantations. The second is related to the
dry season that has hit Indonesia, which can also trigger forest fires from
deciduous plants.

As a result, thick smoke containing hazardous particles threatens the

health of those affected. They are

1. SO2 which can cause shrinking of the respiratory tract and irritation of
mucous membranes,
2. O3 which can cause throat irritation,
3. CO which can cause shortness of breath, confusion, chest feels heavy,
dizziness, coma and even death
4. NO2 which can damage the organs in charge of cleaning the lungs so
that the respiratory tract defense is reduced (weakened).
 With this, it is necessary to take action and prevent it. The government has
tried to extinguish forest fires by bringing in teams to create artificial rain to reduce
fires that burn forests. Is there a way to prevent forest fires? Do we only rely on
the government? As good Indonesian citizens, we should together with the
government protect each other. In this millennial era, the role of youth is needed.
Who is that youth?

According to Law No.40 of 2009, 'youth' are Indonesian citizens aged 16 to

30 years who enter a period of growth and development. Whereas The United
Nations, for static purposes, defines 'youth' as those persons between the ages of
15 to 24 years. Based on census data by the Central Statistics Agency in 2018
there are around 63.82 million people in Indonesia who are young people. From
this data it can be concluded that the role of youth is expected in maintaining and
preventing forest fires. Then, how do we do it?

The first is, let us together be aware of the importance of preventing and
protecting the environment, in this case the forest. Second, as much as possible
provide socialization to local residents from taking actions that can cause forest
fires. Third, report to the authorities or reprimand firmly those who want to open
land illegally by burning forests and land. Fourth, reforestation and replanting of
forests to restore forest function. And lastly, demand that politicians enact strong
regulations to protect life on land. In this way, it is expected to reduce the
frequency of forest and land fires and improve natural ecosystems. Given how
breadth and how many living creatures depend on the forest. Why does it have to
be youth?

With the youth almost ¼ of the total population of Indonesia, it is possible to

make changes for the better, greener Indonesia and people who are aware of the
importance of protecting the forest. In this modern era, with the help of such
sophisticated technology, actions can be taken to save forests and the
surrounding area to remain safely under control. On the homepage of the SDG in
action application, one of the targets of Goal 15: Life on Land says to take urgent
and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of
biodiversity and by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
 The conclusion is, as youths, let us be concerned about the environment.
Love the environment. Love this country. Do not let us live in environmental
issues that we should be comfortable and peaceful. Didn't Sukarno say, "Give me
10 youngsters, and I will shake the world." We, as Indonesia with more than 10
youngsters. Me, all of you, what we care about, there will be goodness from it.
Likewise nature, the environment where we stand, if we take care of it, the nature
will provide good for us all.

Meanwhile, environmental problems that often occur in our beloved

country, we make lessons for a better future. As embodied in the Qur'an Surah Ar
Ruum verse 41 which means "Corruption has appeared throughout the land and
sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them
taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will
return [to righteousness]." -Sura Ar-Rum, Ayah 41.