Framing Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue: Yasinta’s Story from Kupang
On April 4, 2021, a tropical cyclone known as Seroja hit Kupang, an area in East Nusa Tenggara or NTT. This tragedy has impacted local coastal communities and has become one of the worst climate-related disasters within the region (affecting several parts of Indonesia and Australia). According to data provided by the ASEAN Disaster Information Network, a total of 181 people died, 50,000 were displaced, and over 466,000 were affected. Moreover, the storm destroyed boats and fishing gear, the essential equipment of local fishers.
As the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, unusual rising tides have hindered regular fishing trips, reducing people’s access to the sea to just four trips per month. The cyclone has also affected access to clean air and water, as well as safe and stable housing, including protection from environmental hazards. This prompted women fishers to seek alternative ways of earning an income, such as selling corn or coffee to tourists. Undermining their right to livelihood, food security, and economic stability, locals must restart their lives from scratch, including Yasinta Adoe, a 29-year-old mother of three and a member of Koalisi Sipil, one of VCA Indonesia’s alliance members.
Currently, Yasinta also serves in Majelis Nelayan Bersatu, a fishers’ union that focuses on promoting low-interest loans for boat replacement, wave breakers to protect the coastline, and the recognition of small-scale fishers’ rights to a secure and sustainable living space. This union believes that climate change is not merely an ecological issue; it is also a climate justice and human rights issue, as marginalised communities are the ones being most affected.
Fortunately, local fishers have long planted coastal trees such as waru and mangroves in efforts to minimise erosion and protect the local coasts.
“These trees have been here since 2004. Take this Waru tree, for example; it helps keep the coastline from looking barren, reduces wave impact, and provides shelter for fishers while they wait for the tide to go down. It’s also a useful spot to park or repair their boats when needed”, said Yasinta.
Therefore, individuals like Yasinta are crucial, as they have become the focal point of the community, bridging the locals with a wider audience. In 2015, Yasinta and fellow women fishers successfully halted a government project in developing a jogging track along the coast of Pasir Panjang, which would have impacted the locals’ boat docking space. She also proudly collaborates with similar NGOs, such as Yayasan Pikul and Koaksi Indonesia (under the Hivos and VCA Alliance), to demand government action on climate resilience infrastructure. Though her efforts have met victories, there are still other drawbacks to consider, and she needs the help of many, including us. Simple acts such as sharing their stories or understanding the situation they live in are powerful, and the efforts of others matter too.
Yasinta’s story is one of quiet strength and collective resistance. While there have been victories, the work is far from over. As shared by Muammar Fikrie through the original article for Yayasan Humanis dan Inovasi Sosial, the journey toward climate justice in places like Kupang needs many voices. Even simple acts, such as sharing these stories, listening closely, and understanding the reality on the ground, can spark meaningful change. Your awareness and solidarity matter too.
