This story is part of “Stories of Action”, a series highlighting the finalists from our first-ever global open call, which saw 175 organizations apply, leading to 24 finalists and 4 grant recipients. This initiative seeks to amplify impactful climate justice efforts and celebrate the ongoing work being done around the world to advance climate justice.
Pari Island, one of the islands that has lost 11% of its land due to climate change.
In Jakarta, there is an area called the Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) Archipelago, which consists of 110 small islands, each with an area of no more than 60 square hectares. This area has an essential ecosystem that includes seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangroves, all of which host rich biodiversity. The local community maintains this ecosystem and often uses the shallow waters around the islands to catch fish, search for shellfish, and cultivate seaweed. Meanwhile, the land on the islands is used to grow food crops such as vegetables and fruits. This is done in an effort to provide a substitute for food that was previously supplied from outside the islands.
Food gardens spearheaded by local communities to reduce reliance on external food supplies.
The cultivation of food crops is a recent initiative for the people of Kepulauan Seribu, the majority of whom rely on fishing for their livelihoods. This effort has become increasingly important as unpredictable weather patterns frequently disrupt the supply of food from outside the islands, leaving the community vulnerable. By cultivating their own crops, they aim to ensure a more stable and sustainable food source, reducing their dependence on external supply chains that are often unreliable due to the region's changing climate.
One member of the local community held a poster that read, "Don't Wait for Us to Drown."
Local communities are actively preventing the illegal destruction of mangroves and coral reefs by tourism corporations.
In recent years, the archipelago has experienced drastic changes. Out of the 110 islands, 74 are now controlled by corporations and private individuals, leading to land grabs and seabed dredging for luxury tourism projects that threaten vital resources for local communities. On the Jakarta mainland, a government seawall project, intended for climate adaptation, has resulted in the destruction of mangroves, land grabs on once communal beaches, and the displacement of thousands of fisherfolks, further disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods.
Climate change and unsustainable development have led to a crisis along the coast and small islands of Jakarta. Currently, at least six islands have sunk, 23 are in critical condition, and the Jakarta coastline is now four meters below sea level, making it the fastest sinking city in the world.
Planting mangroves to shield the island from coastal erosion.
In response, women from the Kepulauan Seribu community took the initiative to combat the impacts of climate change by reforesting mangroves and planting new coral. Mangrove planting is crucial, as it serves as the first line of defense against waves and rising sea levels. With this in mind, they organized sustainable tourism initiatives, engaging tourists in efforts to restore the island’s ecosystem, and established communal farming areas where everyone contributes to managing the land. Additionally, the local community also set up a monitoring and surveillance system in the surrounding waters to prevent any damage to the vital ecosystem.
Educational efforts by WALHI Jakarta in communities on small islands, including those targeting women and youth groups.
WALHI Jakarta, a regional chapter of Indonesia’s largest environmental organization, plays a vital role in supporting these communities. It provides training to enhance skills in sustainable practices and climate adaptation, fosters community-led initiatives, and facilitates workshops to develop climate justice narratives that influence public policies. With its expertise in environmental advocacy and a focus on social, ecological, and gender justice, WALHI Jakarta ensures these communities have the tools needed to protect their livelihoods and ecosystems while amplifying their voices in local and national decision-making processes.
One of the plaintiffs from Pari Island, Kepulauan Seribu, spoke at the Bonn Climate Change Conference in June 2023.
Currently, WALHI Jakarta is assisting the local community in Kepulauan Seribu as it files a climate lawsuit against one of the major carbon emitters. This bold initiative is expected to become a powerful example of global climate justice, led by the communities of small islands that have endured the worst of climate change-induced losses and damages. Their fight stands as a critical movement for those most affected by environmental destruction, demanding accountability and justice from those responsible for fueling the crisis.
Learn more about WALHI Jakarta here!