Green Means

Published in Special Report. Speak!  October 2013

In a world where we remain dependent on our trusty electronics, it is worrying to think what would happen if there were no energy source to power them all. Natural resources are finite, so if we keep using them at our current rate, they will run out; this is where renewable energy comes in.

The 2013 Green Competition, held by Biogas Rumah or BIRU, aims to encourage young Indonesians to express their thoughts and concerns about  energy conservation and to raise awareness of the importance of using renewable resources.

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After going trough more than 200 submissions from participants aged between 15 and 24 years competing in three categories -Feature Writing, Photo Story and Campaign-Kit Design - the committee revealed the winners on August 26 at an award ceremony in Tebet.

"It is important for youth to know that in the future they will be the ones to care of our environment,"Robert de Groot, Program Manager of Indonesia Domestic Biogas, said in his opening speech.

This was followed by a panel discussion titled, "Youth Voice in Renewable Energy: Act Now, It is Your Future," with the four panelists including 2013 Ashoka Young Change-maker Adjie Wicaksana and Speak!"s very own Anggi Nurqonita, as the 10th Eco Generation Regional Ambassador to IndonesiaUNEP-TUNZA.

"To be such a change maker is both hard and easy," Anggi, who actively works to raise awareness about environmental issues, said during the discussion. "It's difficult because you have to stand out from the crowd. But if you are already proactive or have the initiative to make a difference, everything will be a lot easier."

Adjie, who founded the Research and Community Development Center, talked about the community's work building self-sustaining villages in rural areas.

Throughout the panel discussion, it was made clear that Indonesia's incredible resources for renewable energy must be preserved, and it is our responsibility as the county's future to make sure they are.

Following the discussion, it was time to give out the award, to the following winners. (+Karen Priyanka and Levina)