Kalpataru is the highest environmental award in Indonesia, granted annually to individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to environmental preservation. More than just an award, Kalpataru serves as a symbol of appreciation and a reminder of the critical role we all play in addressing global environmental crises, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
In 2024, the Kalpataru Award ceremony was held at the Manggala Wanabakti Building in Jakarta, with the World Environment Day theme “Ecosystem Restoration: Reclaiming Nature, Restoring Life.” The event underscored the urgency of ecosystem restoration and highlighted the contributions of environmental heroes. One such inspiring figure honored with this award was Dindin Komarudin, also known as Abah Dindin.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
In 2008, Abah Dindin founded the Yayasan Kreatif Usaha Mandiri Alami (Yayasan Kumala) in response to his concern about environmental degradation. This foundation focuses on waste management, community education, and creating an environmentally friendly culture. One of its flagship programs is the processing of organic waste into compost, helping reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and minimizing pollution.
Additionally, Abah Dindin led a river rehabilitation project that had previously suffered from severe pollution. Through collaboration with local communities, the river has now become a habitat for various fish and aquatic plants. This effort has become a model for other regions in supporting ecosystem restoration and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Achievements and Role at CNC Foundation
Abah Dindin’s dedication bore fruit in 2021 when Yayasan Kumala received the Kalpataru Award in the Environmental Stewardship category. In 2024, he once again gained attention as a guest speaker at the award ceremony, sharing his experiences in managing the foundation and motivating the younger generation to engage in environmental preservation.
In addition to managing Yayasan Kumala, Abah Dindin also serves as an advisor at Cipta Nusa Cendikia (CNC) Foundation, which focuses on social sustainability research and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidance. In this role, he provides strategic direction for various environmental conservation and community empowerment projects.
Inspirational Message
Abah Dindin believes that every individual has a role in protecting the Earth. In his speech at the 2024 Kalpataru Award ceremony, he said: “We all have a role in protecting this Earth. There is no need to wait until we are big to start; simply begin with small actions around us.”
Abah Dindin’s story is a testament to the fact that great change can begin with small steps. His dedication and hard work serve as an inspiration to many people to contribute to environmental preservation. The Kalpataru Award he received is not only a symbol of achievement but also a hope for a better future for the planet.
Let us all take part in safeguarding the environment, following the inspiring footsteps of figures like Abah Dindin, to ensure sustainability for future generations.