Building resilience in at-risk rural communities through improving media communication on climate change policies

Enhancing rural community resilience in Indonesia and Australia through improved media communication on climate change policies.

The project was designed to address the lack of clear, accessible, and accurate media communication on climate change policies for rural and at-risk communities in Indonesia and Australia. While these communities are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, they often face barriers in accessing reliable information due to media misalignment with policy priorities, underreporting of key sectors such as agriculture and industry, and the spread of misinformation. By improving how climate policies are communicated, the project seeks to strengthen climate literacy, empower communities to make informed decisions, and enhance resilience. It also supports policymakers, journalists, and civil society organizations by providing evidence-based insights and digital tools to foster best practices in communicating climate policies across diverse media platforms.

The project examined how climate change policies are communicated in the media and how rural communities in Indonesia and Australia perceive and respond to them. It conducted large-scale surveys of rural populations, analyzed over a thousand media articles, and developed digital tools—including the IndoClimate website, an AI-powered multilingual chatbot, and interactive dashboards—to improve climate policy literacy and counter misinformation. The project was a partnership between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Deakin University under the KONEKSI program, supported by both the Australian and Indonesian governments. Researchers, policy experts, and community stakeholders collaborated to generate evidence-based insights and practical tools. I was involved as the Lead Investigator from UGM, coordinating research activities, co-developing tools, and ensuring the integration of community perspectives to strengthen resilience and inclusive climate communication.

The project had a positive impact on the underrepresented community in Kwadungan Gunung Village, especially women, farmers, and youth. It improved awareness of sustainable waste management and encouraged active participation in the village waste bank. The eco-print fabric training became a highlight, enabling participants to turn leaves and flowers into eco-friendly, sellable products. As a result, several women began producing and marketing their creations, generating additional income and inspiring broader community involvement. The project also fostered collaboration between villagers, local leaders, and university partners, creating a supportive ecosystem for ongoing circular economy practices. It not only addressed environmental challenges but also empowered the community with practical skills and new economic opportunities, contributing to long-term sustainability and inclusion.

The project faced several challenges, including low initial awareness of the circular economy, limited community participation, and a lack of technical skills in recycling-based production. Many residents were unfamiliar with the concept of turning waste into economic value, and some were hesitant to engage in new activities. To address this, the team conducted targeted awareness campaigns and interactive workshops to build understanding and interest.