Indonesia Brings Community-Based Environmental Management Practices to BRICS Forum

The Indonesian government brought a number of community-based environmental management practices to the BRICS Senior Officers Meeting 2026 in New Delhi, India, on Monday (17/8). The Indonesian delegation considers the BRICS forum important for strengthening cooperation among developing countries in addressing climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

Ary Sudijanto, Deputy for Climate Change Control and Carbon Economic Value Governance at KLH/BPLH and head of the Indonesian delegation, said climate change adaptation efforts need to combine policy, science, and local community involvement. “For Indonesia, adaptation succeeds when strong policy and reliable science are combined with the active participation of local communities who are on the front lines of climate impacts,” Ary said at the forum.

Indonesia introduced a number of practices involving communities, including the Climate Village Programme (ProKlim), which now covers more than 12,000 locations across Indonesia. In addition, Indonesia shared its experience in waste management through waste banks as well as basic business skills training and community empowerment. A model for handling forest and peatland fires was also presented, utilising SiPongi technology combined with the actions of Fire Care Communities (MPA).

These practices are expected to enrich cooperation among developing countries in facing environmental and climate change challenges. The senior officials’ meeting was part of the Environment Working Group (EWG) and the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CGCCSD). One of its main agendas was the finalisation of a Joint Ministerial Statement as the basis for the shared commitment of BRICS member countries in the fields of environment and climate change.

During the meeting, the Indonesian delegation also expressed appreciation for India’s leadership as BRICS Chair in 2026. The senior officials’ meeting then completed the finalisation of the Joint Ministerial Statement. The document is scheduled to be submitted for adoption at the BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting on 18 August 2026.