Jakarta — In a powerful fusion of art and activism, musicians, storytellers, and cultural leaders gathered in Bali this month to show how music and traditional storytelling can drive climate action in ways that resonate emotionally and locally.
The event was a collaboration between Verified for Climate, a global initiative promoting authentic climate communication, and IKLIM (Indonesian Climate Communications, Arts, and Music Lab), which explores the power of Indonesian culture in environmental advocacy.
Verified for Climate is a global initiative by Purpose, with support from TikTok, Fortescue, and the Rockefeller Foundation. It empowers trusted voices — from scientists to musicians — to communicate climate change through authentic, creative, and culturally rooted storytelling. By doing so, the initiative combats mis- and disinformation and drives momentum for inclusive, community-driven climate action.
At the heart of the program was an intimate session with Robi Navicula, the lead vocalist of Bali-based rock band Navicula and a long-time environmental activist. “Art and music go straight to the heart,” Robi said, in a statement on May 27. “We’re not just singing songs; we’re building movements.”
Through music, ritual, and everyday stories, the initiative aims to deepen the public’s understanding of the climate crisis while connecting people to solutions rooted in their local culture. For IKLIM, this means tapping into traditions, spiritual values, and creative expression to foster communal climate awareness.
The collaboration came to life during the Semarapura Festival in Klungkung, where local communities, artists, and Verified Champions explored the intersection of culture, tourism, and sustainability. The festival features musical performances, creative exhibitions, and climate-conscious narratives—all rooted in Balinese identity. The festival serves as a living example of how tradition and innovation can come together to galvanise climate awareness and action.
“The collaboration between young creators and cultural leaders brings new energy to our sustainability efforts,” said Ni Made Sulistiawati, Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office. “Events like this remind us that preserving the environment is not separate from our culture — it is part of our identity.”
Verified Champions, a global network of creators from Indonesia, Brazil, Spain, the UAE, and the UK, were on the ground capturing and sharing their experiences. Their digital stories — now circulating widely online — feature community-driven climate solutions and messages rooted in local wisdom and cultural pride.
“Seeing how music and community stories can open people’s hearts to the climate issue was powerful,” said Vania Herlambang, a former Miss Environment Indonesia, who is actively raising environmental issues on her TikTok platform. “It reminded me that digital content doesn’t have to be flashy — it just needs to be real.”
To date, the Verified Champions network has reached over 875 million views across platforms like TikTok by turning everyday experiences — from street festivals to food and faith — into meaningful climate conversations.
The initiative is supported by Purpose, with backing from TikTok, Fortescue, and the Rockefeller Foundation. Its mission is to empower trusted messengers — whether artists or scientists — to counter climate disinformation and inspire action through culturally grounded storytelling. (nsh)
Banner photo: Verified for Climate by Purpose
