Jakarta – The Indonesian government is increasing its focus on protecting children vulnerable to climate change’s impacts, as this group is most affected in terms of their health and well-being. The government is also working to involve the younger generation in decision-making on climate policy. This was conveyed by Novia Widyaningtyas, Expert Staff to the Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) for Industry and International Trade, during a discussion at the Indonesian Pavilion at the COP29 Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Monday, November 18.
According to Novia, Indonesia has initiated the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children, which aims to identify climate change risks to children’s well-being, especially those living in remote areas or economically weak families.
“Children are the most dependent on adult support. When families’ socio-economic conditions are disrupted by climate change, children’s growth and health will also be affected,” said Novia.
She added that children’s main challenges regarding climate change include access to nutritious food, clean water and adequate sanitation. Novia emphasised that government policies must be more responsive to these issues so that children, especially those from underprivileged families, can survive and thrive despite climate threats.
The Climate Landscape Analysis for Children report includes several key recommendations. First, advocates should strengthen children’s rights in climate policies and programs. Second, cross-sector coordination should be encouraged in managing climate change risks that affect children’s welfare.
“We also recommend better knowledge management so that data and evidence related to the impact of climate change on children can be used to develop effective programs,” said Novia.
Other recommendations include strengthening resilience systems to climate change risks, providing platforms that enable young people’s active participation in climate action, and improving data collection and early warning systems.
“Young people are not only victims but also key stakeholders who can contribute to Indonesia’s climate change mitigation efforts,” Novia said. (Hartatik)
