Grassroots Rising: Local Champions Unite in Kupang for Climate Action

From June 19–20, 2025, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), became the stage for a powerful gathering of grassroots voices during Inspiring Gathering of Local Champions – Real Actions for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation in Nusantara, an event organised by C4Ledger through Bengkel APPeK with support from the VCA Indonesia alliance. The event brought together over 60 participants, including climate champions from across Indonesia, government stakeholders, community-based organisations, and the media. These individuals, many of whom are women, Indigenous leaders, youth, and village officials, have been on the frontlines of climate challenges—managing land, seas, and resources under growing pressure from climate change.

Day 1: Dialogue and Exchange

Held at Hotel Sasando in Kupang, the first day featured two significant panel discussions:

At the Grassroots Action Panel, Rev. Adoni Tnunay (NTT) shared his reforestation journey, having planted over 4,000 trees to restore water sources. Ambar Wijayanti (Yogyakarta) detailed her work in leading women-driven campaigns on waste and sustainable celebrations. Maximilian from the Pangan Baik Coalition in Manggarai showcased organic farming as both an ecological and economic solution

The Policy and Media Engagement Panel emphasised institutional pathways. Village Head Nelson (Oesena) explained how village funds were used to build climate resilience. Journalist Palce (Kupang) presented citizen journalism as a tool for public accountability. Abraham (Lembata) discussed drought adaptation through local seed systems and mini-dams.

The day closed with group discussions on thematic areas (coastal ecosystems, forests, agriculture, disaster risk, waste management) and preparations for field learning.

Day 2: Learning in the Field

The second day took participants into real-life community initiatives through field visits, which served as living classrooms for locally led innovation:

• Mangrove conservation in Tanah Merah demonstrated how local customs and eco-tourism can align with environmental restoration.
• Coral transplantation by the KOPI Coalition showed youth-led marine stewardship paired with sustainable livelihoods.
• Fish Aggregating Devices (Rumpon) in Oesapa highlighted low-cost technology for sustainable fisheries and energy saving.
• Disaster-Safe School (SDN Noelbaki) showcased community-based infrastructure planning to protect students in areas prone to hazards.

These site visits fostered mutual learning, inspiration, and cross-regional solidarity.

COMMITMENT AND OUTCOMES

The event culminated in the signing of the Komitmen Lokal Champion Nusantara (Nusantara Local Champions Commitment), a collective statement of intent to advance climate solutions rooted in community ownership and justice. Commitments were categorised across four priority areas:

• Marine and Coastal: Joint advocacy for mangrove, coral, and seagrass ecosystems.
• Forests, Water, and Agriculture: Promotion of low-carbon farming, reforestation, and water harvesting.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Mainstreaming resilience in education and village governance.
• Waste Management: Support for waste banks, composting, and behaviour change campaigns.

WHY IT MATTERS

This gathering was more than a conference – it was a milestone in movement building. It gave visibility to stories often left behind, honoured local wisdom, and forged connections among actors with shared goals but different geographies.

The momentum generated by this event has begun influencing local policy conversations. Several initiatives presented during the event are now being considered for integration into regional climate adaptation plans and village development strategies. Media coverage and social media outreach also amplified the voices of these champions to a national audience.

By placing community-led solutions at the heart of the climate agenda, the Local Champion Nusantara Gathering demonstrated what climate justice looks like in action—grounded, collaborative, and unstoppable.