Overview of Green Leader 9
The impacts of climate change are becoming more evident every day, with rising global temperatures, extreme weather, rising sea levels, declining air quality, and ecosystem destruction—leading to what is now called a climate emergency.
EcoCamp actively takes part in the fight against the climate emergency through the Green Leader program, which has been running since 2015. In 2023, EcoCamp once again organized the 9th Green Leader program, serving as a platform for environmental activists to meet and strengthen one another in their collective struggle.
This program brings together participants from across Indonesia. A total of 32 participants engaged in an 11-day, 10-night immersive experience at EcoCamp Bandung, aiming to develop ecological leaders who are self-aware, reflective, and understand their life’s calling. Green Leader 9 focuses on nurturing leaders who are committed to environmental advocacy—empowering communities to maintain harmony with nature, especially in reducing carbon footprints. Participants are also guided in creating a module that documents their environmental actions, particularly in carbon reduction, which can be replicated in other regions.
The training began with Colonel Badri, who provided nationalism and discipline insights, encouraging participants to ground their environmental activism within the framework of love for Indonesia. Pastor Ferry, Chairman of Yayasan Sahabat Lingkungan Hidup, welcomed the participants and introduced them to the foundation and the Green Leader 9 program. He encouraged participants to reflect on what they hope to gain from this training and how they should act and behave to achieve their goals (Give to Get).
Self-Discovery and Connection with Nature
During the first three days, participants focused on self-awareness and personal growth through reflective exercises. The goal was to help Green Leaders identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies for growth. Father Yohanes Nugroho, SJ guided daily reflections, helping participants recognize meaningful life events that shape their perspectives. He also introduced the Enneagram personality system as a tool for deeper self-understanding.
Connecting with nature was also an essential part of this phase. Shierly Megawati, one of EcoCamp’s founders, shared insights on grounding techniques, a method for fostering a deep connection with nature that has been consistently practiced at EcoCamp. Participants learned these techniques and took turns leading morning grounding sessions during the training. Additionally, Pak Rianto introduced the Access Bars method, a technique that helps release stress and emotional burdens through gentle touch therapy.
Field Visits & Real-World Learning
From Day 4 to Day 6, participants engaged in hands-on learning experiences, visiting communities involved in agriculture, waste management, education, and conservation. By observing and interacting with these communities, participants gained new inspiration and practical insights into sustainable initiatives.
They also learned about carbon footprints, exploring how carbon emissions are generated and how they can be balanced. Rather than just classroom lectures, participants experienced direct engagement through a live-in program, where they stepped outside the training environment to interact with local communities.
A key moment was the Awakening the Dreamer, Change the Dream symposium, led by Alexander Iskandar, one of the foundation’s founders and a member of the Pachamama Alliance. This session guided participants through four essential questions:
- Where are we now?
- How did we get here?
- What is possible now?
- Where will you go from here?
Project Presentations & Mentorship
On Days 7 and 8, participants presented their environmental projects, receiving feedback from experts in various fields, including:
- Waste Management: Wilma Chrysanti (Kota Bebas Sampah)
- Agriculture: Vanya Febrianti & Galih (Senin Tani)
- Education: Paula Ruliyati (SD Tarakanita)
- Conservation: Agustinus Irawan (Komunitas Sungai Sleman)
- Social Media & Project Management: Irfan Amali (Peace Generation Indonesia)
These experts provided valuable insights and recommendations to help participants refine and enhance their initiatives.
Becoming Leaders for a Sustainable Future
On Days 9 and 10, Green Leaders were equipped with the confidence and clarity to step forward as leaders of ecological movements within their communities. The program emphasized Active Hope, reminding participants that despite environmental challenges, change is possible when hope is sustained through action.
During the milling process, participants reflected on the importance of community support in their journey—realizing that they are not alone in this fight, even though such support is often overlooked.
The program received special affirmations from key figures:
- Catharina Latjuba, the visionary behind Green Leader, who has been involved in the program since its inception in 2015.
- Ignasius Jonan, former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia (2016–2023), who provided encouragement and guidance to Green Leaders 2023.
The final night concluded with a Candlelight & Inauguration Ceremony, symbolizing that the Green Leaders are now ready to take action and lead change in their respective regions.
A Journey of Unity for the Planet
The 11-day, 10-night experience was a transformative journey for both participants and EcoCamp. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds and regions, all participants shared a common dream and vision for a sustainable future.
Ultimately, every movement and struggle is for our one and only home—Earth—and for our beloved Indonesia.
