I recently visited Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Environment to reconnect with some key figures who played an important role in supporting my research last year. The trip was productive, as we reviewed the progress of our collaborative initiatives and explored new opportunities for meaningful partnership.
One of the critical issues we discussed was the challenge posed by changing leadership, particularly its impact on climate change and education programmes. Leadership transitions often bring disruptions, with progress made under one administration at risk of being undone overnight by the next. In the education sector, there is a common saying: “Different minister, different curriculum”. These constant shifts can create confusion and frustration, particularly for educators and learners at the grassroots level, who are often left to navigate and adapt to the uncertainty.
Nevertheless, I am grateful for the invaluable insights and support from these ministries, which have been pivotal in advancing my work on climate change education in Indonesia. I look forward to continuing our partnership to drive impactful research in the future.