Adela Damika Putri is a Program Associate at New Energy Nexus Indonesia, focusing on innovative initiatives in the clean energy sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering and a master’s degree in biomanagement from Institut Teknologi Bandung, and is a GTA-100 scholarship awardee. In her free time, she enjoys running and has participated in multiple half-marathons.

In Indonesia, the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but an urgent call to action. Our communities, especially young people, are increasingly aware of environmental issues and eager to drive change. However, climate conversations often remain trapped in formal meetings or technical workshops, which, while informative, may fail to reach broader audiences. This is why we conceptualized Megalungan Iklim—an event to connect people to climate issues through an informal, relatable, and collaborative experience. My team at New Energy Nexus Indonesia (NEX Indonesia) and I aimed to create an event rooted in Balinese local culture and natural wisdom, while consciously minimizing our environmental footprint.

Megalungan Iklim: A Collaborative Process

The idea for Megalungan Iklim was born from discussions with our target audience, young balinese, eager to address climate change but often deterred by the formalities of traditional environmental events. We partner with local event organizer, Goodfriends who share similar visions. We wanted to create an environment where people could celebrate, share ideas, and be inspired to make a difference—all while ensuring the event itself embodied the principles of sustainability. Moreover, we also want this event to be a place for our startup portfolio to nurture and build relationships, building a strong foundation for a thriving ecosystem of clean energy and climate-focused startups.

Key to this event’s concept was collaboration. We invited musicians, artists, local innovators, and sustainability advocates to join us in curating an experience that combined music, art, and dialogue. A great example of this is our partnership with Nosstress, a local band that advocates for environmental awareness. Their music resonated with our audience on a deeply emotional level, talking about climate with Nosstress music and lyric was something personal and powerful.

Creating a mindful, low-emission event

One of our primary objectives was to walk the talk and host an event that was both eco-conscious and resource-efficient. We scrutinized every aspect of Megalungan Iklim’s logistics to minimize emissions and waste. Here are a few approaches that we found effective:

1. Venue choice: Choosing a local venue was our first step. The owner of Taman Baca Kesiman, Pak Agung Alit & Fam, only supports events that pays respecta and tribute to impactful efforts, adding another layer of intention to our choice.
2. Eco-friendly materials: From the outset, we committed to a minimal waste. Our decor utilized reusable or biodegradable materials, and we sourced all food and drinks from local vendors who shared our values. This effort not only reduced waste but also supported local businesses, creating a virtuous cycle of community impact.
3. Mindful energy consumption: As part of a clean energy initiative, we made sure to avoid unnecessary installations. Since the event was held outdoors, we kept lighting minimal, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to shine. At night, the space was lit by fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere. By being mindful of our energy use, we demonstrated that it is possible to create a memorable event with minimal environmental impact.

Why informal climate events matter

At NEX Indonesia, we believe that climate events should not only inform but inspire. Megalungan Iklim was designed to be a space where climate ideas are not only discussed but celebrated. Through art, music, and stories, the event created an accessible and engaging platform for people to connect emotionally with climate issues. Informal settings break down the barriers of traditional events, allowing people to feel at ease and open to new ideas, to bring friends who are not familiar with the topic yet, to learn something new.

Our conversations with young attendees revealed that they often felt disconnected from conventional climate discourse. By presenting climate issues in a relatable way, we were able to bridge this gap and encourage a deeper sense of responsibility and enthusiasm.

“The event was thoughtfully organized with a philosophical touch. Every agenda brought us, multigenerational participants from diverse backgrounds, closer. We share nutritious foods that reminded us of Bali’s rich culinary traditions. Nosstress’ performance was outstanding, and the inclusive nature of Megalungan Iklim made it accessible to everyone, not just those from Bali. I gained so much knowledge, especially from the talk show, which helped me understand businesses addressing the climate crisis.”

What I’ve learned from Megalungan Iklim

Planning Megalungan Iklim taught us a great deal about creating impactful events with minimal ecological impact. Here are some tips we recommend for anyone interested in organizing similar gatherings:

1. Understand your audience’s needs: Before you start planning, engage with your target audience. Understand their concerns, preferences, and what resonates with them. For us, it was clear that young people wanted an event that was vibrant, meaningful, and approachable. This shaped our entire approach, from the tone of the discussions to the choice of entertainment.
2. Stay committed to your values: Walking the talk is essential. Set clear sustainability goals and ensure that every aspect of your event aligns with these values. From waste management to transport options, make sure that all decisions are in line with your commitment to the environment.
3. Build a network of like-minded partners: Finding partners who share your vision will amplify your event’s impact. We were fortunate to collaborate with local businesses and creatives who aligned with our sustainability goals, making it easier to plan a cohesive and impactful event.
4. Focus on local culture and resources: One of the main pillars of Megalungan Iklim was its connection to local culture. By integrating music, art, and traditional wisdom, we were able to create an experience that felt both authentic and meaningful to our audience.
5. Reach beyond your usual crowd: Avoid limiting your audience to those already invested in sustainability. Partner with community partners. Craft your messaging to attract a diverse audience, including newcomers who may not yet be familiar with climate issues. Incorporate engaging elements like interactive sessions, storytelling, or cultural performances that make sustainability relatable and interesting for everyone. By doing so, you create a welcoming space for fresh perspectives.

Looking Forward

Megalungan Iklim was more than just an event to me; it was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community when united by shared purpose. The success of this event reaffirmed our belief that climate action can—and should—be celebrated as a collective journey. We hope to inspire other organizations and communities to create their own unique spaces for climate dialogue, where people can come together to learn, collaborate, and grow.

As a young people myself: we need space. We need access. We need the opportunity to talk, connect, and network to enrich climate discussions. It’s truly exciting when events are mindful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in our culture