100 Surabaya Young People Hold Climate Action at Kenjeran Beach

SURABAYA, GARISBUMI.com – As many as 100 pupils and students took part in the Climate Cengkerama entitled "Young Care, Young Take Action" in Surabaya, East Java, on 19-20 September 2026. This activity took participants from the discussion room to the action to clean the Kenjeran Watu-Watu Beach area.

Participants consisted of 47 high school and vocational school students as well as 53 selected students. They are invited to recognize environmental problems around them as well as formulate solutions that can be implemented in schools, campuses and living environments.

This activity was organized by the Ministry of the Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH)) through the Directorate of Resource Mobilization for Climate Change Control (MSDPPI).

The implementation collaborates with the Environmental Bina Bhakti Foundation (YBBL) with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF).

Deputy for Climate Change Control and Governance of Carbon Economic Value KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) Ary Sudijanto said that the voices of young people should not only be a complement in dealing with climate change.

The younger generation, according to him, is the group that will most feel the impact of environmental decisions taken today.

"What we hope to take home from Climate Cengkerama is a better understanding of climate change and the role of the younger generation, realistic ideas that can be implemented in schools, campuses and communities, as well as new networks that enable climate action to be carried out together and collaboratively," said Ary.

Climate Action Starts from the Nearest Environment

On the first day, participants gained various perspectives on climate change and environmental actions that can be carried out in everyday life.

Representative of the MSDPPI KLH/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) Directorate, Wisnu Murti, discussed the threat of a triple planetary crisis. These crises include climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

He reminded that efforts to protect the earth do not have to wait for large-scale projects. Young people can start by saving energy, sorting waste from the house, and planting trees.

Head of the Surabaya City Environmental Service, Muhammad Fikser, explained a number of steps taken by the city government to overcome environmental problems.

These steps include expanding green open space, protecting mangrove areas, and using the Surabaya City Waste Bank Management Information System or SIBASAM to increase community participation.

Surabaya City Environment Princess 2024 Queen Annesya also shared her experience in developing organic waste management using maggots with the community.

Young People Enter the Policy Room

A number of young activists also shared their experiences regarding efforts to build awareness and expand public participation in environmental action.

Rizana Hasna Yusuf from the Surabaya Main Waste Bank invited participants to make waste sorting part of their daily lifestyle.

The Indonesian delegate to the 2025 ASEAN Children and Youth Climate Summit, Anastasya Laila Definia Salsabila, explained the importance of involving young people in the policy formulation process.

"The voice of youth is not only the voice of the future, but also part of the decisions made today," said Anastasya.

Environmental activist Benedict Wermter, known as Bule Sampah, also shared creative communication approaches to bring the message of environmental conservation closer to the lives of the younger generation.

Clean Kenjeran Watu-Watu Beach

The series of activities continued with Climate Action Day in the Kenjeran Watu-Watu Beach area, Surabaya, on Sunday (20/9/2026).

The participants went straight to cleaning up plastic waste along the coastline. They also sort the rubbish they find and educate residents about the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.

This action is a direct application of various materials learned by the participants. Apart from building awareness, this activity is expected to create a network of young people who are able to carry out sustainable climate action in their respective environments.