Makassar, December 11, 2024 – The Center for Regional Spatial Information Research and Development (PUSLITBANG WITARIS) of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) held a key working meeting today with the Professional Certification Body (LSP) for Preparers and Validators of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS). The meeting aimed to discuss the establishment of the Certification Body (LSP) and the role of Validators in the KLHS process.

The working meeting was attended by various parties competent in the fields of environmental management and professional certification.

The main discussion focused on the strategic steps for the establishment of the LSP, which will facilitate the certification process for KLHS preparers and validators in Indonesia. The KLHS itself is a crucial component in the development of sustainable policies and development plans, underscoring the importance of environmental aspects in every development decision.

During the meeting, participants discussed various technical issues related to the professional certification requirements for KLHS preparers and validators, as well as the challenges faced in KLHS implementation across different regions.

The discussion also covered efforts to enhance the quality and competency of the experts involved in KLHS, ensuring they can be more effective in guaranteeing environmentally friendly development decisions.

Dr. Samsu Arif, M.Si, Head of the PUSLITBANG WITARIS LPPM Unhas, stated that this working meeting is a crucial initial step in strengthening the professional certification system in the environmental sector, particularly concerning KLHS.

“With a credible LSP (Professional Certification Body), we can ensure that KLHS preparers and validators possess adequate competency, so that the environmental assessments produced can provide a positive contribution to sustainable development,” he revealed.

This working meeting is also expected to foster stronger collaboration among universities, certification bodies, and various other relevant stakeholders in order to realize environmentally conscious development in Indonesia.

On this occasion, UNHAS, through its WITARIS Research Center (Puslitbang WITARIS), reiterated its commitment to supporting the development and implementation of effective KLHS that has a positive impact on the community and the environment.

With the establishment of a professional certification body, it is expected that an ecosystem supporting the sustainability of environmentally friendly development will be built.