Jakarta, 23 May 2026 – As the impact of the climate crisis becomes increasingly evident, practical and sustainable solutions are often rooted in local and customary knowledge. Embracing this principle, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) Indonesia, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Indonesia, hosted Raksha Loka Festival 2026 on 22-23 May 2026, at M Bloc Space, South Jakarta.

Held in conjunction with the International Day for Biological Diversity, the festival combines cultural celebration and policy dialogue, bridging innovations with national stakeholders including policymakers, academia, philanthropy, private sectors, media, and urban communities. Raksha Loka reinforces messages that climate and environmental solutions do not always require large-scale interventions – they can grow from local wisdom, collective action, and long-standing community-based natural resource management practices on marine conservation, land rehabilitation, water governance, green economy, and gender justice.

Along with that, Raksha Loka Festival marks the closing of the GEF SGP Indonesia Operational Phase 7, that has been implemented since 2022. GEF SGP provides financial and technical support to local civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), with a special focus on customary communities, women, and youth, to develop and implement innovative local actions that address global environmental issues while also improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.  

Under Phase 7, a landscape-based approach has strengthened collaboration among communities and civil society in environmentally vulnerable regions, including the Bodri Watershed (Central Java), Balantieng Watershed (South Sulawesi), the buffer zones of Nantu Wildlife Reserve and B.J. Habibie Forest Park (Gorontalo), and Sabu Raijua Island (East Nusa Tenggara). Across these landscapes, community initiatives have driven ecosystem restoration efforts ranging from forest and water conservation to mangrove rehabilitation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community-based enterprises.

Raksha Loka servers as a platform to amplify local voices and elevate community-driven solutions into national discourse. Sidi Rana Menggala, National Coordinator of GEF SGP Indonesia, highlighted that the festival is envisioned not only as public event but also as a form of “diplomacy” for customary communities and local people. “For years, they have been at the forefront of environmental protection, yet their voices often go unheard. Through this festival, we aim to demonstrate that local wisdom is not a story of the past, but a primary reference and the most tested solution for facing today’s climate crisis,” he explained.

Along with that, the emphasis on inclusion extends into the recognition of unequal climate impacts. Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia underscored the importance of inclusive approaches in environmental solutions. “The climate crisis does not affect everyone equally; women and vulnerable groups often bear the heaviest burden. At the same time, they are among the most resilient agents of change. UNDP’s support through GEF SGP Indonesia ensures that Indonesia’s transition toward a green economy and climate resilience is rooted in gender equality and social inclusion (GEDSI). These grassroots best practices must be replicated and scaled up,” she stated.

Similarly, Erik Teguh Primiantoro, GEF Operational Focal Point Indonesia, noted that actions at the grassroots level directly contribute to global targets. “Coinciding with the International Day for Biological Diversity, Raksha Loka Festival demonstrates how grassroots initiatives align with national strategic agendas. Concrete actions from communities—ranging from indigenous forest conservation to sustainable agriculture—form a crucial foundation for Indonesia to meet its global commitments on biodiversity conservation and emissions reduction,” he added.

Connecting Funding Ecosystems and Public Engagement

Raksha Loka Festival 2026 also marks the introduction of innovative financing initiatives – TM Fund 2.0 and BUMI (Bantuan Usaha Melalui Investasi) – designed to ensure long-terms sustainability of community-based enterprise beyond the grant phase. By bridging grassroots innovation with access to funding, these initiatives aim to enable local green economy efforts to scale into resilient, independent enterprises that generate both ecological and economic value.  

The event also concludes with a reading of a Nature Manifesto, recognition of community partners, and cultural performances that highlight Indonesia’s diversity. Rather than positioning visitors as passive spectators, Raksha Loka invites them to become part of an evolving ecosystem of action, encouraging deeper engagement with grassroots initiatives and inspiring practical changes that extend beyond the festival space.

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Contact Information: 

Nabilla Rahmani, Head of Communications, UNDP Indonesia

nabilla.rahmani@undp.org