Thousands banded in climate actions. Youths — over a quarter of Indonesia’s population, is the most affected by impacts of climate crisis.
Penjaga Laut (Ocean Stewards) and EcoDefender held a simultaneous environmental action dubbed Aksi Muda Jaga Iklim (AMJI) or Youth Action for Climate on Saturday (28/10/23). This action involved thousands of young people across more than 521 locations throughout Indonesia.
AMJI 2023 also invited more than 90 collaborators from communities, central and local governments, youth organizations, and corporations. There were numerous activities during the full-day event, including beach and river clean-ups.
In addition, there was environmental education and discussions, distribution of seedlings, mangrove planting, coral transplantation and adoption, and the use of non-emission transportation.
Yolanda Parede, national coordinator of Sea Guardians said that in its third year, participants’ enthusiasm increased and the event also received support from corporations.
“This means that there is increasing awareness, concern, and a lifestyle that is increasingly friendly to the environment,” said Parede at the Tangerang Mangrove Center in Tangerang District, Banten.
Pardede believes youth participation in protecting the earth is inevitable. As the largest population group in Indonesia, the young generation will feel the consequences of the climate crisis. These consequences include weather anomalies, natural disasters, biodiversity loss, and other environmental degradation.
“These environmental problems can impact access to food sources, health, and education,” said Pardede.
Bustar Maitar, chief executive of EcoNusa Foundation said that young people must increasingly intervene and work together to take concrete actions to respond to the climate crisis. This is because they account for 65 million people — more than a quarter of the total population.
Youth is one of the groups most affected by climate change, Maitar underlines. “The climate crisis is real. Let’s stand together to protect the climate, participate in environmental actions, plant trees, and share climate and environmental actions on social media,” Bustar said.
Based on data collected by the organizing team from 521 locations, the collaborative movement planted 8,428 trees and mangroves, seeded 3,000 mangroves, and distributed 500 tree seeds. Other results included collecting 7,558 kilograms of waste, distributing 280 plant-based meals, adopting 2,200 corals, and transplanting 180 coral saplings.
In addition, at least 4,674 participants attended a series of educational programs on the importance of reducing the impact of the climate crisis, waste management, the SDGs, and the impact of the climate crisis on health. A total of 20 young people also took part in a 10-kilometer non-emission vehicle ride. When this report was published, AMJI was still gathering data on the simultaneous action.
Corporate and government support
At the Tangerang Mangrove Center, 150 youths planted 3,000 mangrove seedlings. They created a nursery of 5,000 mangrove stems and cleaned up trash along Tanjung Pasir beach in Banten.
Ridyawan Amnan, corporate secretary division head of Jtrust Bank said that we are experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis, especially the extreme weather. He said corporations, including Jtrust Bank, must take concrete steps and actively contribute to saving the environment.
“It is because of this that we, from JTrust Bank and Jtrust Group, are participating in the Youth Action for Climate campaign. We hope today’s activity can make a real contribution to our environment’s sustainability,” said Amnan during the mangrove planting event at the Tangerang Mangrove Center.
Bagus Budi Prakoso, head of the program and evaluation section of the Citarum Ciliwung water basin and protected forest management agency said that young people have a critical role in protecting the environment. He sees AMJI 2023 as a tangible form of involving all stakeholders — youth, business practitioners, government officials, and civil society communities all coming together and planting mangroves.
“We really appreciate all those who support this program. We hope this effort will continue towards maintaining and sustaining what we have planted here today,” said Prakoso.
Yaya Kuswaya, the head of Tangerang Forest Management Resort, also expressed her appreciation for the volunteers involved in AMJI 2023.
“We in the Banten forest management division want to thank you because protecting the forest is not only our responsibility, but that of the community, young people, and all other groups,” said Kuswaya.
Kuswaya hopes that AMJI is not just ceremonial, but a sustainable platform that fosters ideas and actions to protect and save the environment.