Study Highlights Indonesian Youth as Most Vulnerable to Climate Change Impacts

A recent study has highlighted that children and young people in Indonesia are bearing the brunt of climate change impacts, despite contributing the least to the crisis. The research, conducted by the Centre for Child Protection and Quality of Life Studies (Puskapa) at the University of Indonesia and the Australian National University, focused on the experiences of youth in Jakarta, Pekalongan, and Pontianak. It found that climate change is increasingly disrupting access to education, health, and overall quality of life. Siti Nafisaturrobiah, a student from Pekalongan, recounted how routine tidal flooding during the rainy season forces her to evacuate, cutting short her religious studies and classes. Similarly, Nur Alam Hidayatullah from Pontianak described the daily struggle of dealing with rising floodwaters, intense heat, and air pollution from factories, vehicles, and forest fires. The study also underscored the heightened risks for young people with disabilities, with Gressia Carolina, a visually impaired youth from Jakarta, explaining how extreme weather makes navigating slippery streets dangerous and can completely confine her to her home. Researchers noted that while marginalised youth live with these impacts, they often lack understanding of the root causes and a platform to voice their experiences. In response, the project developed educational modules covering climate justice, public policy, and the rights of vulnerable groups to foster active participation in decision-making. Endang Sulastri from the Ministry of National Development Planning emphasised the strategic role of youth in achieving sustainable development for Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045. Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs stressed the need to view children not just as a vulnerable group, but as rights-holders and part of the solution. Senior researcher Shaila Tieken concluded that the main issue is not a lack of experience among youth, but a lack of space, language, and support to articulate their experiences, necessitating cross-sector collaboration to translate research into effective policy.