Climate Declaration of the Special Region Yogyakarta Provincial Government in Commemoration of National Children’s Day

This campaign, the theme of which was “Protect the Golden Generation from Waste Disasters”, was organised in collaboration with VCA-SPEAK Indonesia, Women Federation Yogyakarta (WFY), Pena Bulu Foundation, Mama4Planet, Education Agency of Yogyakarta Province (EAYP), Health Agency of Yogyakarta Province (HAYP), and Province Special Regional of Yogyakarta Agency for Environmental and Forestry Affairs (PYAEFA) to commemorate National Children’s Day.

The pile-up of solid waste threatens the health and comfort of children, as seen at the Senior High School of Nine Yogyakarta, located next to a Solid Waste Disposal. In addition, solid waste is starting to pollute rivers in DI Yogyakarta Province, one of which is in the Gedongkiwo area. The target areas for Kelurahan coverage that are of joint concern include Kelurahan Gedongkiwo, Kalurahan Sinduadi, Kalurahan Sardonoharjo, Kalurahan Sinduharjo, and Kelurahan Terban.

Paniradya Pati Kaistimewan Aris Eko Nugroho, as the representative of the Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region Province, delivered the Governor’s remarks, “Awareness of children’s rights is vital because every child has the right to live, grow, and develop optimally.” This campaign aims to harmonise and increase awareness of the existence of waste and waste handling.  A series of activities starting from the appearance of affected children telling stories related to their findings, represented by young people from Gedongkiwo who are actively involved in cleaning the river, and representatives of the Senior High School of Nine Yogyakarta students who brought the story “My School is Covered in Solid-Waste” is already underway. 

In commemoration of Children’s Day, a national dialogue and learning sharing were held with local governments and climate partners. Dormaringan Napitu, the VCA-SPEAK Programme Manager, shared the learning and lessons from the VCA Programme implemented by VCA Urban. Dormaringan also advocates for women’s involvement in climate action. “In addition to strengthening the ability of children and young people to speak up, the involvement of communities and women is critical to implementing just and sustainable climate action.” Along with Dormaringan, other speakers were Mrs. Zuli Murpuji Astuti, Head of the Protection for Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection and Population Control Agency for Yogyakarta Province, Ms. Edina representative of UNICEF Indonesia, Nadatiya Ngamarotun, Mama4Planet’s Coordinator, and Mr. Budi Susilo, Deputy Director of Penabulu.

The declaration raises the theme “Creating a Healthy Environment for Children and Protecting Children from the Impacts of Climate Change”, which contains points of commitment to a joint agreement to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy environment for children and protection from the impacts of climate change. The declaration was read and led by Mrs. Ambar Widjajanti, the Women Leader of the Women Federation Gedongkiwo (WFGK) in Yogyakarta. All the attendees also followed Mrs. Ambar in reading the declaration.

The declaration was signed by the Yogyakarta Provincial Government, Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme through SPEAK Indonesia, the Penabulu Foundation, Mama4Planet as NGO representatives, and Women Federation and Youth as community representatives. This joint declaration is a commitment to realising the Penta-helix concept in solving waste, sanitation, and health problems and increasing awareness of families and children about a healthy environment. “The campaign aims to improve and uphold children’s rights and aligns with the vision of the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta”, said The Advisory Governor of Yogyakarta Province, Dr. Ir. Kuncoro Cahyo Aji, M.S.