Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has called on Generation Z to actively voice their ideas and constructive criticism to strengthen environmental protection and encourage greater public awareness across generations.
The appeal was made by Deputy Minister of Environment and Deputy Head of the Environmental Control Agency, Diaz Hendropriyono, during the launch of Episode 3 of the Kenali Lingkungan Bareng Anak Muda (KELANA) programme, titled “Java Over Trip,” on August 5 in Jakarta.
The initiative is designed to provide senior high school students with firsthand exposure to Indonesia’s environmental challenges by taking them to various locations across Java, where they will observe environmental issues, engage with local communities and environmental activists, and learn about practical solutions to support sustainable environmental management.
Diaz encouraged young people to continue expressing their aspirations and constructive criticism, emphasizing that youth participation is essential in inspiring older generations to adopt more environmentally responsible behaviors. He said the KELANA programme should remain focused on identifying environmental problems, exploring practical solutions, and understanding the challenges involved in implementing those solutions.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that Generation Z has demonstrated stronger environmental awareness than previous generations, citing studies indicating that 66 percent of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. He noted that this growing awareness represents an important opportunity to accelerate public engagement in environmental protection.
As part of the programme, participants are introduced to priority environmental issues being addressed by the ministry, including mangrove conservation and restoration. Diaz explained that previous KELANA participants visited Jambi to plant mangroves and learned that successful ecosystem restoration requires not only tree planting but also effective waste management, as marine debris can undermine mangrove rehabilitation efforts.
During the Java Over Trip programme, participants will travel across several locations on Java to study environmental issues directly in the field while exchanging knowledge with environmental organizations and community groups implementing sustainable conservation initiatives.
Through KELANA, the Ministry of Environment aims to strengthen environmental literacy, encourage youth leadership, and empower the next generation to become active contributors to Indonesia’s long-term environmental sustainability. (*)
