Empowering Indonesian students as climate change action leaders
The IKI supported Climate Action School Contest brings up youth-powered ideas for transforming the agriculture sector in Indonesia.
To transform Indonesia's agricultural sector toward a net-zero emissions system, youth play a critical role. But fostering climate consciousness in the younger generation (Gen Z) of the rural areas is often overlooked. While climate action has been integrated into the national school curriculum, real, on-the-ground engagement in climate efforts remains largely invisible in many rural communities.
To reach out the younger generation, the Rural Youth Climate Action Movement for Net Zero Farming in Indonesia (RYCAM), funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) launched a Climate Action School Contest in September 2024 together with its partners the civil society organisations MPM (Motivator Pembangunan Masyarakat) and Jamtani (Jaringan Masyarakat Tani), in collaboration with the Indonesia Climate Change Alliance (ICCA).
ICCA is an alliance comprising a 19 NGOs from across Indonesia which advocates for climate justice, the rights of local communities, and sustainability at national and international levels. Ever since its establishment in 2022, ICCA has been actively promoting grassroots climate change mitigation and the adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
Climate Action School Contest brings up more than 60 innovative ideas
Along with ICCA, each of the NGO members visited five high schools and vocational schools in their respective regions introducing students to the impacts of climate change and encouraging active participation in the contest. By December 2024, the project received 66 innovative proposals from participating schools across Indonesia.
Teams, consisting of students aged 15-17, submitted ideas on a wide range of topics from climate adaptation and mitigation to sustainable waste management, irrigation systems, agroforestry initiatives, organic fertilizer production, and climate change awareness campaigns.
The growing involvement of adolescent girls in climate action and environmental leadership is reflected in the fact that 55% of the participate are female. The proposals were then assessed by a panel of five jurors representing diverse sectors (academia, environmental practitioners and research). Selected 32 winning proposals received each EUR 300 grant to bring their projects to life during the implementation phase from February to July 2025.
Teachers are enthusiastic
Organising the school contest was initially challenging for MPM and Jamtani. They typically conducted activities directly with farmers and practitioners. Some resistance from schools and local authorities in certain areas were also encountered. However, after visits and a better understanding of the activity, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students have shown high levels of engagement, and teachers have expressed enthusiasm about how the initiative makes climate action more concrete and relevant to their daily lives.
As of now, the competition is still ongoing with a close monitoring by MPM and Jamtani. The partner NGOs also actively providing hands-on support to help students resolve challenges they face.
Exciting projects from across Indonesia
In North Sumatra a project titled “One Tumbler, One Tree” encourages students to bring tree seedlings from home to plant around their school. In return, they receive a reusable tumbler to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
In West Java students have created a Bioelixir and Biopesticide production system using organic waste from households and school canteens, promoting both waste reduction and sustainable farming practices.
More information on the production of bioelixir (Indonesian)
In South Sulawesi one school is reusing greywater from school drainage systems for watering gardens and fish ponds. They’ve integrated enceng gondok (water hyacinth) as a natural filter, demonstrating low-cost water purification techniques.
In West Kalimantan students are producing biodegradable pots made from recycled paper to grow ornamental plants, combining creative recycling with environmental education.
Other regions of Indonesia are also interested in the competition
The school community highly appreciated this opportunity to learn directly from practitioners and apply that knowledge in a meaningful way. Citing its educational value and the heightened environmental awareness among students, the Provincial Education Office in Southeast Sulawesi is eager to replicate the school competition across all high schools and vocational schools in the region. In other regions, the activity has led to further exploration with local authorities for collaborations to promote green and healthy living in the school’s communities.
The RYCAM School Climate Action Contest not only reached rural youth and schools, it also helped raise awareness among local education authorities and parents. RYCAM is not just about reaching net-zero emissions on farm, it’s about empowering the next generation to become climate action leaders. By planting these seeds of knowledge and action in rural schools, RYCAM is helping cultivate a more sustainable future for Indonesia.
Written by Astari Widya Dharma, RYCAM project manager
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IKI Medium Grants
This project is funded by the IKI Medium Grants.