New Books on Indonesian Environmental History: Recent Publications

Indonesia’s landscapes tell stories of lush rainforests, fragile coastlines, and the communities whose lives are intertwined with them. In recent years, new books on Indonesian environmental history have begun to shine a light on these stories, reminding us that the environment is not just a backdrop but a central character in the nation’s past, present, and future.

One recent release is Approaching Natural Resources for Sustainable Development in Indonesia: Confronting the Socio-Ecological Crisis, edited by Henny Warsilah and Agus Heri Purnomo. This book brings together essays that explore how Indonesia grapples with the challenges of resource management and sustainability. With contributions from scholars across disciplines, it highlights not only the struggles of balancing economic growth and ecological health but also the cultural wisdom that has long guided communities in living with the land. What makes this volume stand out is its multidisciplinary approach, weaving together insights from economics, anthropology, and environmental studies. It serves as both a reflection on Indonesia’s past resource practices and a roadmap for creating more sustainable futures.

Another fascinating addition is Edwin Jurriëns’ The Art of Environmental Activism in Indonesia: Shifting Horizons. This book dives into the world of “artivism,” showing how art has become a powerful medium for raising awareness of ecological issues. From performance art to visual installations, Jurriëns traces how creativity has shaped environmental consciousness from the late 20th century to today. It’s a reminder that culture and activism often go hand in hand. By examining artists’ works over decades, Jurriëns shows how environmental messages evolve alongside political and social change. The book also highlights the power of art in sparking dialogue where traditional activism may face limits.

Environmental education is also finding its place in publishing. The Climate Litigation Series: Tell Stories, Save Forest, launched by Greenpeace Indonesia, transforms serious issues like deforestation and forest fires into stories children can relate to. Through engaging narratives, it nurtures awareness in the next generation, making environmental care a family conversation. This creative approach reflects a growing recognition that change begins with young minds. By blending storytelling with activism, the series ensures that lessons about protecting forests are carried into the future in an accessible and inspiring way.

On the investigative side, Di Antara Janji Kesejahteraan dan Dampak Sosial Lingkungan, produced by Mongabay Indonesia and Kaoem Telapak, takes readers to the heart of the palm oil industry. With reporters documenting the realities across 20 regions, the book uncovers land conflicts, environmental degradation, and the human cost behind one of Indonesia’s most profitable industries. Its strength lies in the voices of local communities, whose struggles often go unheard in policy debates. The book reads as both exposé and testimony, underscoring the urgent need for reform in one of the country’s most controversial sectors.

Together, these works show the richness of Indonesian environmental history, not only as academic study but as lived experience, creative expression, and a call to action. Whether through scholarship, storytelling, art, or journalism, they remind us that caring for the environment is inseparable from understanding culture, community, and the choices that shape the nation’s future.