SHEEP Indonesia Foundation (YSI) took part in the Indonesian Climate Change Alliance (ICCA) meeting, held on April 23–25, 2025, at the Crystal Crown Hotel in Selangor, Malaysia. The forum was attended by 34 participants from 18 civil society organizations focused on climate change issues across various regions of Indonesia. The gathering served as a space for reflection and synergy among institutions to strengthen climate advocacy strategies.
On the first day, YSI, represented by Hariyoso and Ikbal Hardiansyah, presented its approach to mitigating the impacts and risks of climate change, particularly through the development of sustainable local food systems. Drawing from field experience, YSI showcased how local food production chains—from cultivation to distribution—can offer concrete solutions to strengthen community resilience in the face of the climate crisis.
Ikbal Hardiansyah, who also serves as the area program manager for local food in Mentawai Islands District (Sipora), emphasized the importance of innovation in food processing. “We don't only focus on cultivating taro, bananas, and sago through field schools, but also ensure that the entire processing chain—from upstream to downstream—functions effectively. Community capacity is enhanced, superior seeds are selected, so that both food needs and economic value can be met through processed products at the community production centers,” Ikbal explained. YSI’s field experience in sustainable local food programs enriched the discussion throughout the meeting.
The second and third days featured presentations by Thomas Hirsch (Climate and Development Advisor at BfDW), who discussed global geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, as well as opportunities for international climate funding. He encouraged the exploration of partnerships with countries such as Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. In addition, Aryanto from Publish What You Pay (PWYP) highlighted the interconnection between a just energy transition and the agricultural sector, as well as the strategic role of civil society in advocating for energy transition policies from upstream to downstream.
At the end of the event, participants agreed on a strategic plan for ICCA as a shared work framework and scheduled the next annual meeting. The forum also reaffirmed a collective commitment to advocate on the issue of nickel mining in Kendari. YSI’s participation in the meeting reinforced its role as an active partner in the climate change network, ready to build broader collaboration toward inclusive and sustainable development.
