The impact of climate change is felt differently across all segments of society. Vulnerable groups such as indigenous communities, small farmers, and coastal residents often bear a heavier burden despite their relatively small contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
In commemoration of World Environment Day, the Faculty of Geography at UGM (Geography UGM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), held a workshop on the topic “Fair Climate Change Management (Climate Justice) in Indonesia.”
This topic was chosen to increase student awareness and understanding of climate justice and to encourage active student participation in seeking sustainable and inclusive solutions.
The event, held on Thursday (Jun. 20), occurred at the Merapi Auditorium, Faculty of Geography. Laksmi Dhewanhi, Director General of Climate Change Control at KLHK, was the keynote speaker.
The workshop was conducted in a forum dialogue format with two panels and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among participants and speakers. It was attended by various elements such as students from UGM, UNY, and other universities, agencies under the KLHK, NGOs, and community groups.
Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of Geography UGM, stated that the climate crisis has raised global collective awareness among countries, including Indonesia, to address climate change and its impacts.
“One of the challenges in climate change mitigation and adaptation is how the country can achieve fair climate change management and provide proportional priority to vulnerable groups directly affected by climate change,” he said in his opening remarks.
Addressing the same issue, Laksmi Dhewanhi mentioned that Indonesia experiences many natural disasters as a country vulnerable to climate change, thus requiring the best approaches to sustainable climate justice.
“The role of stakeholders, including academics, is crucial in the success of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for climate control through concrete efforts. Therefore, a fair approach is needed in addressing the climate crisis, focusing not only on mitigation and adaptation but also ensuring that everyone receives equal protection and benefits,” she emphasized.
The workshop began with a Panel 1 forum dialogue featuring three main speakers: Professor Makarim Wibisono (Indonesian Diplomat), Dr. Mas Achmad Santosa (CEO of Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI)), and Laksmi Wijayanti (Inspector General of KLHK).
Panel 2 forum dialogue included three main speakers: Bella Nathania (Head of the Climate Justice and Environmental Governance Division at the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL)), Dr. Emilya Nurjani (lecturer in the Department of Environmental Geography, Geography UGM), and M. Akbar Ramadhan (Green Leadership Indonesia).
The workshop concluded with FGDs among participants, divided into five small groups. The FGD started with identifying the most concerning climate change issue and its sources. Each group described the most responsible for the problem and the most disadvantaged. Subsequently, each group discussed what actions should be taken to ensure justice for those most affected.
Reportage & Photo: Geography UGM
Author: Triya Andriyani