Amid growing ecological threats in Yogyakarta, from the surge in tourism and the conversion of water catchment areas on the slopes of Mount Merapi to the increasing dominance of concrete surfaces that reduce the land’s ability to absorb water, a public awareness movement has emerged from schools.

Held at Studio 2 of Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI), an alliance of students and Islamic boarding schools involved in the Climate Justice Warrior (CJW) initiative held a strategic consolidation meeting to develop a six-month action roadmap.

The meeting was more than a regular discussion. It became a space for young people to strengthen their movement, exchange ideas, and develop creative actions. They recognized that younger generations will live longest with the consequences of climate change, including the impacts of decisions made in the past. Through their planned campaigns, they sought to turn their concerns and aspirations into concrete action.

Portfolio of Cross-School Actions

Based on reports presented during the youth forum facilitated by Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI), eight CJW member schools at the junior and senior secondary levels have initiated a range of grassroots actions:

• MA Masyithoh: Established the Eco Justice Warrior organization, focusing on waste-related issues. The group also planned river-based educational content and recruited and mentored nine young cadres.

• SMA Bumi Cendekia (Eco Piece): Integrated Eco-Piece into the ecological boarding school ecosystem and provided environmental education to 30 children through an outdoor learning activity.

• SMP Bumi Cendekia: Successfully recruited new members through the school bulletin board and assigned 56 students, divided into four to five groups, to conduct field interviews comparing past and present climate conditions.

• SMP IT Abu Bakar: Introduced climate change materials during the New Student School Orientation Program (MPLS) for 41 participants and initiated open recruitment for Eco Youth Friends (EYF).

• SMP BOPKRI TIGA: Initiated an independent plastic bottle sorting facility in coordination with the school principal and developed a biweekly “Reresik” environmental clean-up program.

• MA Nur Iman and MTs Masyithoh: Promoted climate justice through independent tree planting and maintenance activities with Matamuda, involving 43 participants. The schools also held an environmental documentary screening and discussion of Timbul Sloko with teachers.

Looking Ahead: Water Conservation and Joint Camp

In response to the growing clean water crisis in Yogyakarta, partly driven by the conversion of water catchment areas, the forum agreed to organize a Water Conservation Camp, scheduled for early November or late December 2026.

The camp will include a range of activities, including river trekking, environmental clean-up activities, ecological research, environmental film screenings, and educational outbound activities. The students will also independently manage the organizing committee, with Sophie serving as Chairperson and Alba as Vice Chairperson.

“This forum belongs to you. Young people have the collective power to make a significant impact and encourage policies that protect nature,” a YSI representative said in closing, reinforcing the students’ commitment to taking action.