Picnic in the Park: Nurturing Youth Awareness of the Climate Crisis

As part of the “Road to Global Climate Strike” campaign, the Indonesia Cerah Foundation, in collaboration with the Student Executive Board (BEM) of FMIPA Universitas Indonesia (UI). Satya Bumi, and Enter Nusantara, successfully organized the “Picnic in the Park” event at Tebet Eco Park on September 8, 2024. This event was designed to educate young people about the climate crisis and equitable energy transition solutions. 

This event successfully garnered attention, attracting 25 participants who were highly enthusiastic about learning the state of energy transition in Indonesia. The discussion began with an explanation of the current status of operational coal-fired power plants (PLTU) and ongoing national strategic projects (PSN) in the energy sector. This was followed by a session on transition minerals, which serve as essential raw materials for renewable energy technologies, such as batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels.

The speakers emphasized unresolved issues, including global warming and climate change, which have now reached a critical point threatening the sustainability of life on Earth. According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2023 was recorded as the hottest year on Earth since the pre-industrial era. This underscores the urgent need for countries to take concrete actions, as agreed upon in the Paris Agreement, which should remain a top priority. 

Unfortunately, Indonesia has taken a step back from its commitment to limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C. The reduction of the renewable energy mix target from 23% to 17% by 2025 reflects the Indonesian government’s lack of seriousness in pursuing an equitable energy transition. 

Ironically, as the climate crisis worsens, Indonesia shows little seriousness in pursuing an energy transition and instead introduces new challenges. 

On one hand, transitioning to renewable energy is a crucial step to reducing carbon emissions and meeting global commitments to combat climate change. However, in practice, this issue often neglects social and ecological impacts, creating new challenges that are equally severe. The development of solar panels, for instance, is frequently accompanied by forced evictions. This has occurred in several regions where farmland and residential areas have been repurposed for renewable energy infrastructure projects. As a result, local communities are often left without clear and adequate compensation, losing their livelihoods. Such projects raise questions about their sustainability, as they clearly contradict the principles of a just renewable energy transition, which should involve communities in the decision-making process.

Meanwhile, small islands are often exploited to meet the demands of this energy transition, leading to new environmental and social conflicts. 

Small islands rich in minerals such as nickel and cobalt, the primary components of electric vehicle batteries, have become targets of large-scale exploitation. Mining activities of this nature severely damage terrestrial and marine ecosystems and frequently displace indigenous communities and fishers who have long relied on local resources for their livelihoods. Additionally, mining waste spills often pollute the ocean, threatening biodiversity and disrupting the food chain. 

Civil society’s criticism of this policy highlights that the energy transition is not merely about replacing energy sources but also about ensuring social and ecological justice for all. A just energy transition must reflect a commitment to environmental sustainability while protecting human rights. This issue is not only about reducing carbon emissions but also about creating a sustainable and equitable future for everyone, especially those most vulnerable to its impacts. 

The climate crisis is not the responsibility of a select few; it is a shared responsibility. Young people play a strategic role as drivers of change. Events like “Picnic in the park” are small yet significant steps in fostering awareness and collective action. However, true success will only be achieved if the government, society, and private sector work synergistically to deliver fair and inclusive energy transition solutions. 

Indonesia cannot afford to delay action any longer, as the impacts of the climate crisis are already evident and deeply alarming. It is the future generations who will bear the brunt on inaction.

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