Crisis in the Classroom: The Role of Climate Education in Shaping Indonesia’s Future Environmental Justice Movements

Abstract

This research examines the critical role of climate education in shaping Indonesia’s future environmental justice movements. As climate change increasingly impacts the country, particularly its coastal and rural communities, the need for a well-informed citizenry capable of advocating for environmental justice has never been more urgent. This study focuses on how climate education within schools—ranging from primary to tertiary levels—affects students’ understanding of environmental issues and their ability to engage in climate activism. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines surveys, interviews with educators, and case studies from various regions of Indonesia, the research evaluates the current state of climate education in Indonesia’s formal education system and its potential to influence social movements. The findings suggest that while climate education is gaining traction in curricula, it remains unevenly implemented across different regions, particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. Despite these challenges, students exposed to climate-focused education tend to show a stronger commitment to environmental justice principles, particularly in relation to issues of land rights, indigenous rights, and climate adaptation. The study argues that for Indonesia to effectively confront the dual challenges of climate change and social inequality, it is essential to integrate environmental justice into formal education, ensuring that future generations are not only climate literate but also equipped to take action. This research contributes to the broader discourse on climate education’s role in fostering sustainable and just societies.