Jakarta, Aug. 28 -- Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat expressed the government's commitment to accelerating the restoration and protection of lake ecosystems in Indonesia to guarantee water, food, and energy security.

In a statement on Friday, Hidayat said World Lake Day 2026, commemorated every August 27, marks a crucial moment to save inland water ecosystems.

"Lakes are not merely bodies of water, but a source of life sustaining food, energy, and water security, tourism, carbon absorption, and microclimate stabilization, while serving as centers of community culture," he said.

However, Hidayat noted thousands of lakes face heavy pressure from widespread environmental degradation.

This degradation stems from damaged water catch...