Green Youth Hub Yogyakarta: Demand for An Inclusive and Just Green Transition!

On July 25, 2025, the ASEAN Youth Forum successfully gathered 20 youth leaders from Yogyakarta at the Green Youth Hub Activation, providing an opportunity for them to connect and learn from one another. Including activists from diverse groups, such as Trash Hero Yogyakarta, Climate Rangers Jogja, and Child Campaigner Jogja, to drive a just and inclusive green transition.

The focus groups addressed the UN’s three global crises: Biodiversity Loss, Climate Change, and pollution and waste. In this workshop, they identified severe local failures. Nationally, Indonesia remains alarmingly dependent on fossil fuels for 80% of its energy needs. Locally, the Kartamantul area alone faces around 269 tons of plastic waste daily, and the youth criticized the government’s lack of “political will” to enforce strong regulations. Arami Kasih (Climate Rangers Jogja) advocated for Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE). At the same time, Ipunk (Zero Waste Talk Show) criticized “false solutions” such as incineration, demanding systemic “upstream” intervention to address overproduction.

Their collective voice culminated in a Joint Statement for Inclusive Green Transition, demanding stronger local implementation of the Paris Agreement and immediate action to clarify stakeholder responsibility for pollution. Furthermore, the participants of the Green Youth Hub workshop in Yogyakarta formally urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah) to implement an inclusive “green curriculum” or climate change curriculum, applied from an early age. 
.The participants agreed that the hub served as a crucial space to expand their network, form new friendships, and collaborate with various communities and organizations.

Specifically, participants gained new perspectives, inspiration, and motivation to continue campaigning for a green transition, with one attendee even sharing how the program inspired her to start her own advocacy activity focused on ecoprint. Beyond networking, they agreed on the critical need for a sustainable program with clear follow-up, including the suggestion to implement concrete action plans through mini projects and mentorship.

Exciting and interactive discussion experience, which increases insight related to the green transition

Lina Fatikasari – KOPHI Yogyakarta