Locations
Awlya Diah Fahriza from Group 8 of Universitas ST Bhinneka planting a teak tree on the riverbank nearby Cangkang Asam Kumbang lime factory in Medan, North Sumatra.
Young people are powerful agents of change when given the right platform, turning ideas into movements that drive meaningful impact. In Indonesia, where forests are essential for both biodiversity and climate resilience, youth play a key role in advancing the country's FOLU Net Sink 2030 ambition—aiming for net-zero emissions in the forestry and land use sectors. Climate action starts from within, and even the smallest steps can create a ripple effect, leading to a much bigger impact.
Through the MOVERS Climate Leaders Initiative, UNDP is equipping young changemakers with the tools and knowledge to take action in their communities. From preventing deforestation and restoring degraded land to advocating for sustainable practices, these leaders are transforming climate commitments into real, localized solutions. By empowering youth to take bold steps today, Indonesia is not just reducing carbon emissions, it is nurturing a future where forests thrive, communities flourish, and sustainability is a shared responsibility.
Reaching Out to Diverse Voices
Nurul Insana Filail–also known as Iyun–initially had little interest in climate issues. As a student of Urban and Regional Planning, she never intentionally sought to learn about climate change or its impact in daily life. However, as she observed shifting weather patterns—rising humidity, erratic rainfall, and increasing temperature swings—she realized that climate change was undeniably real. Determined to make a difference, she began by altering her lifestyle, using eco-friendly household items and separating waste. But her ambitions extended beyond personal habits. After joining the MOVERS FoLU Net Sink Climate Leader Initiative, she set her sights on becoming a consultant, advising the West Sulawesi government on nature-based solutions to mitigate landslides and floods while promoting greener urban planning.
Iyun was among 83 participants who attended the onsite lecture at Universitas Sulawesi Barat – or Unsulbar, as the university is famously known. Her dedication to learn about climate and act sparks inspiration. Another student, who studied International Relations, Muhammad Alif, offered a broader perspective on Indonesia’s potential for emission reduction. He stressed that while Indonesia has vast opportunities to cut emissions, success hinges on effective policies and monitoring. He also emphasized the importance of mindful consumption, particularly in reducing methane emissions from livestock and rice farming. Alif urged his peers to recognize the impact of their consumption habits on climate change and to take action in their daily lives.
Lecturer from Unsulbar is presenting the role of mangrove ecosystem in reducing emission
Reaching Majene, the home of Unsulbar, is no easy task. Located between Mandar Bay and the Makassar Strait in West Sulawesi, the coastal town is accessible only after a 2.5-hour flight from Jakarta to Makassar, followed by a six- to seven-hour overland journey. Despite the distance, students there showed a deep awareness of climate change and its impact, yet their voices often go unheard. UNDP is committed to fostering inclusive climate governance through the MOVERS Climate Leaders Initiative, ensuring that youth, especially those from remote regions, play an active role in decision-making processes.
Understanding FoLU Net Sink in Local Context
“What is FoLU Net Sink 2030?”
It was the question asked to around 1,242 participants that joined MOVERS Climate Leaders Initiative. FoLU Net Sink 2030 is Indonesia’s ambitious target to ensure that the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) absorbed by the forestry sector exceeds the amount emitted. Forest and land use (FoLU) plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and preserving biodiversity, making sustainable land practices essential for Indonesia’s goal of achieving a net carbon sink by 2030.
Over three months, UNDP partnered with five universities in Padang, Majene, Palembang, Badung, and Medan, equipping students with the technical and practical skills needed to start climate movements. The initiative began with a Training of Trainers session on December 20, 2024, where lecturers from participating universities learned about FoLU Net Sink 2030. These lecturers then designed two-day classes for their students, adapting the material to local contexts and incorporating indigenous practices in sustainable land management.
Muhyiatul Fadilah, a lecturer from Universitas Negeri Padang, gave a presentation about Climate Action, while exploring youth-led activities to prevent deforestation and land degradation
At Universitas Negeri Padang, the discussion focused on strengthening traditional knowledge to protect forests. “Our customary forests in West Sumatra are not only a natural resource but also hold social, cultural, and spiritual significance for the Minangkabau community. The management of these forests follows local wisdom passed down through generations. This traditional knowledge has proven effective in preserving nature while sustaining the livelihoods of local communities," said Muhyiatul Fadilah during her session on Introducing FoLU Net Sink Initiative and how to support it through local perspectives.
Meanwhile, at Universitas Bina Darma in Palembang, 155 students explored South Sumatra’s contribution to Indonesia’s carbon emissions and the need for sustainable land management. Known for its vast forests, peatlands, and biodiversity, South Sumatera is currently aiming to reduce deforestation and peatland degradation, which are known as significant emitters of carbon. In Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) regency, for instance, more than 60% of the forest has been lost in the last two decades, contributing to ecological damage and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. In this workshop, the lecturers put emphasis on finding solutions by creating innovations that adhere to sustainability aspects.
Lecturer Akhmad Khudri highlighted technological innovations, stating, “AI and blockchain can be key catalysts for achieving FoLU Net Sink 2030. By leveraging data-driven solutions, we can enhance monitoring, transparency, and sustainable resource management.”
Akhmad Khudri, a lecturer from Universitas Bina Dharma, Palembang, while giving a presentation at Auditorium Prof. Bochari Rachman
At Satya Terra Bhinneka, Medan, North Sumatra, 172 students joined the onsite session, which shed light on the importance of FoLU Net Sink, the role of educators and students in climate action, and the steps needed to ensure the program’s success. Herlyna Novasari Siahaan, a lecturer and as a facilitator at Satya Terra Bhinneka, Medan, aims to do further.
“We can integrate FoLU Net Sink and climate action topics into our curriculum, host workshops and seminars, and provide mentorship for student-led projects. By creating a supportive learning environment and connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, we can motivate students to take an active role in climate initiatives,” she said.
The workshops have succeeded in providing invaluable insights for students and all stakeholders involved, fostering greater awareness and collaborative efforts toward a more sustainable future.
Empowering Youth’s Leadership
Beyond attending lectures, participants received mentorship from sustainability practitioners and lecturers from their universities to design impactful projects, craft compelling communications and develop persuasive essay arguments. Many students channelled their knowledge into competitions, producing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
One standout participant, Pindiaman Hulu from Unsulbar, proposed an afforestation program using rubber trees to rehabilitate former mining sites, winning third place in the essay competition. Guided by lecturer Sriwiyata Ismail, Hulu’s work incorporated current affairs, legal frameworks, and local perspectives. The first-place winner, Wandra Apriyoza from Universitas Negeri Padang, proposed an environmental literacy program to cultivate climate-conscious individuals who can support FoLU Net Sink 2030.
In addition to essays, participants also organized group projects that explore practical solutions to reduce emissions. From explaining about greenhouse gas (GHG), organizing tree planting, cleaning up beach, making compost and recycling plastics, they were able to utilize limited resources when creating projects for a far greater impact.
Muhammad Alfarizi and Tsyaniah from Group 20, Universitas Bina Dharma, presenting information about food waste to 60+ high school students in Palembang.
The Best Project award went to Group 20 from Universitas Bina Dharma Palembang, which conducted an educational campaign on food waste at a local high school. Meanwhile, Group 19 from the same university was named Best Team for their proactive approach, successfully distributing and planting 45 Australian Brush Cherry trees.
Australian Brush Cherry, ready for distribution.
While the essay competition limited the participants to those who study at partner universities, students from other universities and high schools across Indonesia could join social media competitions. In their works, participants creatively showcased how to implement FoLU Net Sink concept to day-to-day activities on their online platforms.
UNDP Climate Promise team taking a photo together with the Rector and Deans of Dhyana Pura University, along with a representative from the Bali Provincial Environmental Office
A Movement for the Future
The MOVERS Climate Leaders Initiative culminated on February 10, 2025, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose. Students from all over Indonesia reflected on their experiences, eager to continue their efforts.
“I’m happy. We learned so much, especially through group discussions,” said Angel from Universitas Dhyana Pura, Bali. “The interactive format made learning both fun and impactful.” Jimmy Sunjaya from Satya Terra Bhinneka echoed this sentiment. “Before this program, my contributions were limited to personal efforts like reducing plastic use and planting trees. Now, I feel more confident and motivated to take a larger role in climate action.”
Written by: Intan Tanjung, Fariz Mursyid, Afryani Sidabutar, Randa Sandhita, Rizqi Izzizti, and Dzul Afifah Arifin
Edited by: Nabilla Rahmani
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Managed under Climate Promise project, MOVERS Climate Leaders seeks to empower young people to take concrete actions and carve a path to become an environmental changemaker. The workshop series spanned in three months, started with Training of Trainers that took place on December 20th, 2024, and ended on February 10th, 2025. This capacity building workshop series also invited lectures from universities in Padang, Majene, Palembang, Badung and Medan, and sustainability practitioners who provide valuable insights about climate challenges and present guidelines for them to strive.
UNDP’s Climate Promise is the UN system’s largest portfolio of support on climate action, working with more than 140 countries and territories and directly benefiting 37 million people. This portfolio implements over US$2.3 billion in grant financing and draws on UNDP’s expertise in adaptation, mitigation, carbon markets, climate and forests, and climate strategies and policy. Visit our website at climatepromise.undp.org and follow us at @UNDPClimate.