Thousands of young people participated in Youth Actions for Climate Protection (Aksi Muda Jaga Iklim/AMJI) 2023. They move together at Youth Pledge Day, 28 October in 521 locations scattered throughout Indonesia. “I am very proud to see the enthusiasm of the participants involved. Because AMJI does not only belong to Penjaga Laut, but also the actions of young people throughout Indonesia,” said Yolanda Parede, National Coordinator of the Penjaga Laut. Penjaga Laut is a community of young people who initiated AMJI.
AMJI is a collaborative action from Indonesian young people to respond to the increasingly pronounced impacts of climate change. Youth people as the largest population group in Indonesia carry on the burden of the effect of climate change.
CEO of the EcoNusa Foundation, Bustar Maitar, mentioned that young people must step in and be willing to work together to take real action to respond to climate change. “A quarter of the total population in Indonesia falls into the youth age range and this group has the greatest influence on climate change. Therefore, let’s join hands to protect the climate together. For example taking part in environmental clean-up actions, planting trees, and even posting on social media regarding climate and environmental issues,” he said.
2023 is the third year of AMJI activation with its theme “Youth Volunteering Collaboration Actions for Anticipating Climate Crisis”. The activities in this year are more varied than before. Such as planting mangrove seedling, sowing mangrove propagules, cleaning the debris, coral transplantations, pull out the nails from the trees, distributions of tree seeds. Also discussions about global warming, distributing plant based food, education about the impact of climate change on health, and action to use non-emission transportation.
One of AMJI location in Jakarta was at Tangerang Mangrove Center, Tanjung Pasir, Teluk Naga, Tangerang Regency. Around 100 participants attended to clean marine debris in Tanjung Pasir beach, planting 3.000 mangrove seedlings, and sowing 5.000 mangrove propagules.
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Yaya Kuswaya, Head of Resort Pemangkuan Hutan Tangerang, representative of the Banten Forest Management Unit (KPH) Perhutani, expressed his appreciation to the volunteers involved in AMJI. According to him, the task of protecting forests does not only belong to KPH, but is also the task of all elements starting from society, including young people. “We want this to not just be a ceremonial event as the seedlings need regular nurturing. We hope this will be a continuous activity, so that this mangrove forest is truly preserved,” he said.
Support from Various Parties
AMJI 2023 initiated by Penjaga Laut, EcoDefender, EcoNusa Foundation, Indonesia Scout Movement, Indorelawan, Jejakin, and Trilogy Ocean Restoration. Also collaborating with more than 90 communities, national and local government, youth organizations, and corporation.
Bagus Budi Prakoso, Head of the Program and Evaluation Section of BDPASHL Citarum Ciliwung appreciated the involvement of all parties in this action, including in mangrove planting activities. “This is a real form of activity carried out by all stakeholders, including young people, business actors, ministries, communities, together to plant mangroves. We thank everyone who supports this program,” he said.
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Amera from J Trust Bank said to tackle climate change need more than just complaining, but through real actions to reduce the impact of carbon emission emitted from humankind activities. “Getting involved in AMJI is one simple step you can take. Young people, let’s act together,” she said.
Positive response also came from Reza, the Sea Adventure Community Coordinator. He said that activities like AMJI need to be carried out more often. So that more and more people are aware of the importance of protecting ecosystems and the environment. “We should stop climate change. We should collaborate together to protect the environment which will have an impact on our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Editor: Swiny Adestika
