The climate crisis has become the most significant threat to those living in coastal areas. It poses a serious danger to communities, especially those whose livelihoods depend on the sea. In Kampung Budidaya Kerang Hijau, Cilincing, North Jakarta, this crisis is no longer just a matter of data; it has become a lived reality, eroding living spaces and endangering the future of its residents.
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Enter Nusantara organized “Climate Capture: Jakarta in the Climate Crisis,” a documentary photo hunt inviting young people to witness the reality of communities affected by the climate crisis. Alongside visual collaborators and coastal residents, participants explored the green mussel village, engaged in conversations, and captured the direct impacts of the crisis, impacts often invisible in urban centers.
Such activities are not merely about the hobby of capturing current phenomena; we aim to foster empathy. Participants are expected to understand how climate change, caused by industrial waste and the use of dirty energy, can undermine the livelihoods of local residents, particularly fishermen and green mussel harvesters.
The stories captured by the participants left a deep impression. Local residents expressed their concern about the unpredictability of the seasons. Nearly 85% of the 6,000 residents rely on green mussels for their livelihood, but today only 200-220 square meters of cultivation remain due to extreme weather and pollution from waste.
Mrs. Hasanah, a longtime green mussel collector, shared how large waves and industrial waste have caused massive die-offs of the mussels, causing a sharp decline in residents’ income. Back in 2000 and 2015, the sea was full of mussels. Now, whenever the waste comes, our harvest is gone, she said.
The green mussel village in Cilincing is a stark example of climate injustice in Jakarta. While large-scale projects like the Giant Sea Wall are pushed forward in the name of “protecting the capital,” coastal communities are increasingly marginalized and losing their livelihoods from fishing. This crisis is not about infrastructure but about social justice—who is protected, and who is sacrificed?
Through Climate Capture, we aim to engage young people as bridges of storytelling by photographing, listening, and amplifying the true reality. Because we believe that change can only continue to happen when the voices of those who have been marginalized are included in the narrative.
If you’re interested in participating in our activities or want to raise environmental issues and groundes perspectives, stay tuned to Enter Nusantara’s channels.
