Know the Climate Village Program & Its Benefits for the Environment

Extreme weather events require decisive action from all sectors to ensure environmental sustainability. The government's Climate Village Program is a key strategic initiative addressing this need.

The program encourages communities to increase environmental awareness through collective adaptation and mitigation efforts.

So, what exactly does this initiative entail, and what concrete actions are being implemented? Check out the complete explanation below.

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What Is the Climate Village Program?

The Climate Village Program (ProKlim) is a national initiative of the Ministry of Environment (KLH)/Environmental Management Agency (BPLH) of the Republic of Indonesia, designed to encourage collaboration among communities, the government, and the private sector in addressing climate change.

Through this synergy, central government policies can be effectively implemented at the village, sub-district, or neighborhood level, thereby strengthening regional resilience while reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

This is highly important because the Indonesian Government is targeting a 29% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, both independently and through international cooperation, up to 41%.

To achieve this target, ProKlim focuses its efforts on two main aspects:

• Community groups that actively engage in activities to adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate change.
• Villages or sub-districts with the potential to develop into more resilient regions for climate change.
  
  

Objectives of the Climate Village Program

The implementation of the Climate Village Program has several strategic objectives aimed at integrating local actions with national targets. In detail, these objectives include:

• Increasing public understanding and capacity to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.
• Encouraging local initiatives in managing natural resources wisely and sustainably.
• Strengthening Indonesia's contribution to efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
• Building climate resilience in areas that are most vulnerable to climate change.
  
  

Scope of Climate Village Program Activities

The Climate Village Program comprises two main categories of integrated activities: climate change adaptation and mitigation.

1. Adaptation Activities

These actions focus on building community resilience to address the current impacts of climate change. Examples of implementation include:

• Water Resource Management: Maintaining water availability through the construction of infiltration wells, rainwater harvesting systems, and village reservoirs as water reserves during dry seasons.
• Food Security: Enhancing food security through organic farming, vertical gardening, and maximizing the use of yard space for productive plants.
• Public Health: Implementing preventive measures and education on diseases that increase with changing weather, such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and malaria.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Reducing potential losses by preparing village disaster risk maps and conducting regular community emergency response training.
  
  

2. Mitigation Activities

These actions are carried out to reduce and prevent increases in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Several initiatives implemented within the Climate Village Program include:

• Integrated Waste Management: Lowering environmental impact through integrated waste management, waste bank activation, and organic waste processing.
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Promoting energy transition and efficiency by utilizing biogas from livestock waste, installing solar panels, and encouraging electricity-saving initiatives.
• Greening and Conservation: Conducting large-scale tree planting and ensuring the preservation of water catchment areas.
  
  

Astra's Contribution to the Climate Village Program and Emission Reduction

As of 2024, Astra has developed 119 new Desa Sejahtera Astra (DSA), increasing the total number of assisted regions to 1,515 nationwide. Of these, 145 have been officially designated as Climate Villages.

In addition to ProKlim, Astra also carries out various climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, including:

1. Commitment to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Aligned with the Astra 2030 Sustainability Aspirations, Astra Group aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 30%. This target supports Indonesia's Net Zero Emission goal for 2060.

In 2024, Astra achieved a 17.41% reduction in emissions through several key strategies:

• Energy Efficiency: Optimizing fuel use in vehicles and stationary equipment.
• Renewable Energy Transition: Installing renewable energy systems and purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) to support a cleaner electricity supply.
• Carbon Exchange: Purchasing carbon credits (SPE-GRK) through the Indonesia Carbon Exchange (IDXCarbon) to further reduce the company's carbon footprint.
  
  

2. Low-Carbon Technology Innovation

Astra implements advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact. For example, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk constructed a biogas plant using methane capture technology.

This technology covers Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) ponds to prevent methane emissions. The captured gas is converted into alternative fuel for production, and the remaining liquid waste is processed into organic fertilizer.

This innovation has reduced emissions by 42,694 tons of CO2-eq. Additionally, electric equipment such as Hybrid Towerlamps and electric buses is increasingly replacing conventional equipment.

3. Climate Change Risk Management

To maintain business sustainability amid environmental challenges, Astra regularly monitors climate risks through its Climate Change Risk Register.

There are four main areas in this risk management approach:

• Climate-Resilient Business: Building operational foundations that can withstand extreme weather changes through Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and resilient infrastructure.
• Low-Carbon Operations: Promoting low-emission work environments while ensuring protection for workers.
• Strategic Risk Management: Monitoring regulatory impacts and using climate scenario analysis to assess financial exposure.
• Data Monitoring: Enhancing climate data collection systems to ensure mitigation policies are based on accurate information.
  
  

ALSO READ: Environmental Sustainability: The Pillar of Astra's Sustainability Program

Create Resilient Villages and a Greener Environment Through Real Collaboration with Astra

The Climate Village Program is a long-term strategy that requires commitment across sectors, rather than a typical green initiative.

Success in reducing emissions and building regional resilience depends heavily on sustainable contributions from all parties, including the private sector.

Astra fulfills this strategic role by integrating ProKlim into its operations and supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation through measurable actions.

For those of you who want to learn more about emission achievements and details of other environmental programs, all information is transparently presented through the Astra Sustainability Report.