"We have covered more than 60 percent of Indonesia over the past three years after beginning our reforestation programme," he said after planting some seedlings in Maros district, South Sulawesi province.
Balthasar said his office continued to make efforts to preserve and improve the environment by, among other things, planting trees.
"We plant an increasing number of trees across the country every year in our effort to preserve the forests and improve the environment," he added.
The minister pointed out that 70 percent of Indonesia's forests had been destroyed, therefore his office would ¿leave no stone unturned to stop the damage¿.
"The environment ministry, through people empowerment programmes, is encouraging the public to play a greater role in preservation of the environment," he said.
"With regard to climate change, the government has developed a National Action Plan and is committed to reducing Indonesia's greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2020," Balthasar stated.
Balthasar said the government was raising awareness about the environment among all communities, including students. (T.KR-BSR/B003)