Rooted in Solidarity: Youth Leading Climate Action in East Nusa Tenggara

November 12, 2025

The journey of Koalisi KOPI began in November 2021 as a movement that brought together youth communities and organisations in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to respond to the climate crisis through contextual and grassroots-based approaches. In just four years, Koalisi KOPI has grown from a scattered, individual effort into a structured, youth-led grassroots climate movement, becoming the largest youth-led grassroots climate movement in NTT. This movement is now coordinated by the Flobamoratas Executive Committee (KEF), which oversees 13 Regional Executive Committees (KED) across Alor, Timor, East Flores, Lembata, East Sumba, Southwest Sumba, Ende, Sikka, Nagekeo, Ngada, Manggarai, East Manggarai, and West Manggarai.

Beginning with grassroots community mapping and the drafting of a regional manifesto, the coalition laid a strong foundation for youth-led climate campaigns rooted in local knowledge. Through GRUF Jamboree, leadership camps (FCLC), and dozens of community actions, more than 150 young leaders have been trained, over 100 actions have been implemented, and 13 Regional Executive Committees (KED) have been established across the province. The formation of a leadership structure (KEF), the launch of Sekolah Kampung for Climate Change and Production Bases, and the development of a shared learning platform mark a significant shift from short-term mobilisation to long-term institutional transformation.

Beyond just structures and numbers, true transformation is visible in the growing confidence and capacity of young people in East Nusa Tenggara to self-organise. From remote areas like Alor to Sumba, youth are not only responding to climate issues, they are leading. The success of the GRUF Jamboree, where young participants self-funded their involvement, demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and commitment. Artistic expressions such as songs, theatre, and exhibitions have become powerful campaign tools, spreading messages far beyond formal spaces. In a region often marginalised, Koalisi KOPI proves that when young people are trusted, supported, and rooted in their culture, they can build inclusive, creative, and sustainable climate solutions that have the power to reshape the narrative, both locally and nationally.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. KOPI Coalition faced dynamic shifts in membership; many of the initially active members were university students whose involvement declined over time due to personal commitments. Variations in managerial capacity across regions also affected the pace of programme implementation. Online activities such as the Lingkar Belajar (Learning Circles) and TM Share experienced a drop in participation due to a strong preference for face-to-face interaction. A lack of funding tested the resilience of several KEDs, though some managed to adapt through independently-run Production Bases. In response to these challenges, Koalisi KOPI applied a bottom-up empowerment strategy. Through thematic residencies held in Alor, Ende, and Larantuka, participants not only learned to manage festivals and develop village tourism or food security programmes, but also deepened their practice in participatory research and community documentation. These activities yielded creative outputs, including zines, videos, and learning materials rooted in local culture.

Koalisi KOPI has also been active in campaigning on strategic issues. Five key priorities—geothermal, waste, land rights/agrarian issues, shrimp farming, and coastal privatisation—became central topics during the GRUF Jamboree and Annual Meeting 2025. The geothermal issue, for example, was addressed through field studies, creative campaigns, and support for local citizens and church movements in affected areas. This campaign strategy was supported by a dedicated division within KEF and rooted in local research conducted by Sekolah Kampung. Amid these challenges, Koalisi KOPI witnessed major transformations. The 13 KED Production Bases have now become not only the “fuel” of the movement but also educational spaces for learning about the circular economy. Sekolah Kampung has expanded its capacity for community research. Safe spaces and holistic security measures have been put in place to ensure the sustainability of youth activism, including SOPs, safe houses, and partnerships with referral institutions.

Another key lesson is that sustainability is not only about programmes, it’s also about institutional strength. In June 2025, Koalisi KOPI officially became a legal entity through a notarial deed, marking a crucial step toward enhanced legitimacy and access to climate finance. The coalition’s partner network has now grown to include over 75 organisations, from local communities and media to national and international institutions. None of this would have been possible without the spirit of “baku dukung”, the collective solidarity of young people supporting and strengthening one another to build a movement from the ground up. Today, Koalisi KOPI is no longer just a campaign; it is a collective learning space, an incubator for youth and women’s leadership, and a culturally grounded, inclusive, and strategic climate community.

The journey of Koalisi KOPI is proof that change can grow from the solidarity, courage, and imagination of young people. By strengthening community leadership, documenting local solutions, and building self-sustaining systems, KOPI has evolved into a nurturing space for impactful youth movements. From the sea to the mountains, from field actions to social media, every step is an effort to voice climate justice rooted in local wisdom. Today, Koalisi KOPI continues to move forward as a legally recognised association. With a spirit of collaboration and a long-term vision, Koalisi KOPI is ready to continue the intergenerational fight for climate justice that serves both people and the planet.