VOINews, Jakarta: In a firm call to action, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar urged regional governments and various stakeholders to intensify support for climate action at the grassroots level, emphasizing the crucial role of the Climate Village Program (ProKlim). Speaking at the ProKlim awards in Jakarta on Friday, Minister Bakar highlighted the significant expansion of ProKlim into the Community for Climate Program, marking its deep integration into Indonesia's national climate strategy, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) document.
As reported by Antara, ProKlim, which was launched 13 years ago, has seen remarkable growth, now reaching 10,113 locations across Indonesia. The program, initially a small-scale initiative, has evolved into a cornerstone of the nation's climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The minister noted that the ambitious target of 20,000 locations by 2024 is within reach, reflecting a substantial increase from the 4,000 locations recorded in 2015.
However, Minister Bakar emphasized that achieving this target requires a consolidated effort among all parties within the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. She called for a united front to harness the full potential of various existing programs to increase the number of communities and locations involved in climate action. These programs include the Adiwiyata School (Green School) initiative, Social Forestry, conservation partnerships, the Peatland Care Community, and the Fire-Conscious Community.
"The potential is vast, and we can actually aim for 42,000 locations, not just 20,000," Minister Bakar stated. She called on all parties to consolidate their efforts and work diligently to reach these goals, underscoring the importance of collaboration in scaling up climate action across the country.
The ProKlim awards, presented at the event, serve as a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the various parties involved in the program, including regional heads who have supported its implementation. Minister Bakar expressed her gratitude to these individuals and organizations, noting that their efforts are vital in advancing Indonesia's climate goals.
Minister Bakar also underscored the significance of the ProKlim program in enhancing community resilience to climate change. According to the Environment and Forestry Minister's Regulation Number 19 of 2012, ProKlim is designed to improve community capacity in adapting to climate impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with national and global climate targets.
As Indonesia continues to face the challenges of climate change, the minister's call to action highlights the critical role of grassroots initiatives like ProKlim in driving meaningful change. With continued support and collaboration, Indonesia is poised to make significant strides in its climate action efforts, setting a strong example for other nations in the region./ANTARA/VOI
