Indonesia has been vulnerable to the effects of climate change for many years, with Jakarta facing heavy air pollution, flooding, and having an overreliance on fossil fuels. The city’s air quality regularly exceeds safe limits as seen from PM₂.₅ levels nearly six to seven times above WHO guidelines and is currently producing an alarming 7,000 tons of waste daily. At the same time, almost 70% of Indonesia’s electricity still comes from coal in 2023. To combat this, Jakarta's youth are responding with determination and are slowly working to build a cleaner environment for their communities. From eco-friendly startups to social campaigns, their initiatives show how community-led action can chart a path toward a more sustainable future.

In Jakarta, one of the prominent organizations led by youths making great strides in climate work is called Climate Rangers Jakarta. This organization has been dedicated to pursuing climate justice, as they recognize that young people are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. They aim to empower the youth to become architects of climate solutions and ensure that their voices are heard.

Just last year, one of their most notable initiatives was their involvement in the #RESolusi campaign, which was launched in collaboration with 350 Indonesia. The campaign promoted community-based renewable energy as a solution to Indonesia's energy transition. In particular, the campaign highlighted the importance of community-based solutions to the energy transition. They pointed out that the transition to renewable energy must also involve an overhaul of the transportation sector. Thus, they advocated for the replacement of the Transjakarta fleet with solar-powered alternatives. Recently, they have also participated in a campaign called “Life in a Bubble” during the Jakarta Car Free Day on 1 June 2025. During this, they once again emphasized that clean air is a basic right that must be protected for everyone.

Moreover, another important youth-led organization striving to make an impact is Green Welfare Indonesia, established in 2020. The organization actually used to mainly focus on sustainable farming but has now expanded its scope to empower Indonesian youth through climate education and nature-based solutions.

One of their recent programs included the launch of the “Green Skills for the Planet” Youth Insight Report which states the importance of green skills for the future workforce. Overall, the report highlighted that there aren’t enough skilled workers in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture and waste management. It also explains the need for stronger green education, ranging from schools to vocational programs, so young people can take on these roles. Furthermore, Green Welfare Indonesia has collaborated with UN Women Indonesia to conduct the Climate Education Mentorship & Course (CEMC) which educates and mentors young individuals on climate action.

In short, the youth of Jakarta demonstrates remarkable innovation to address the environmental challenges faced by their communities. Organizations like Climate Rangers Jakarta and Green Welfare Indonesia are not only raising awareness but are also implementing practical solutions to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Citations

“Advocates in Jakarta Call for Clean Air and Just Energy Transition - Hijauku.com.” Hijauku.com, June 2025, hijauku.com/2025/06/01/advocates-in-jakarta-call-for-clean-air-and-just-energy-transition/.

Shafa Azzahra. “Jakarta Environmental Problems and Circular Economy Solutions.” Earth5R, 29 July 2020, earth5r.org/jakarta-circular-economy/

“Climate Rangers Jakarta - Climate Ranger.” Climate Ranger, 6 May 2025, climaterangers.or.id/climate-rangers-jakarta/.

“Green Welfare Indonesia.” Facebook.com, 2025, www.facebook.com/p/Greenwelfareindonesia-100070725301717/?locale=bs_BA.

“Green Welfare Indonesia.” Green Welfare,
https://www.greenwelfare.org/about

IEA. “Indonesia - Countries & Regions - IEA.” International Energy Agency, 2023, www.iea.org/countries/Indonesia.

“Indonesia’s Youth Climate Movement Launched #RESolusi.” 350 Asia, 12 Aug. 2024, 350asia.org/press-release/youth-climate-movement-launch-resolusi/.

“Insight Report_Green Skills for the Planet.pdf.” Green Welfare, 2019, drive.google.com/file/d/1NRPmt3HHrAmtNGFnpKpsq_LMOGcVKQKh/view?usp=sharing.

“Jakarta Air Quality Index (AQI) and Indonesia Air Pollution | IQAir.” IQAir, www.iqair.com/indonesia/jakarta/jakarta.