On December 6-7, 2025, Afif Fauzi Rachman, together with Youth Ranger Indonesia (YRI) Central Java Region, successfully held a Local Action activity entitled “Youth Present: Creating a Caring Generation, Building a Sustainable Earth”. 53 volunteers participated in this action. This activity is a follow-up project implementation of the Online Leadership Training: Peace Across The Sea program, a collaborative initiative between IVP Australia and Bhumi Horta Foundation, supported by Service Civil International (SCI). As a form of real support, each training participant received a micro-grant to implement social projects in their respective regions, which, on this occasion, was delivered through the “Youth Present” program.
Batur Village, Semarang Regency, Central Java, was selected for the program because of its strategic highland location, cool climate, and fertile volcanic soil—ideal for sustainable agriculture and conservation. The strong social capital, as shown by social bonding, openness to collaboration, active local groups such as Youth Community and Batur Rapid Response (BRC), and support from community leaders and educational institutions, further strengthens the village’s potential for collaborative development.
Day One: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Activity Focus: Early Childhood Education and Capacity Development
The first day highlighted logistical preparation, shared meals, and interactive sessions to foster rapport among volunteers, hosts, and community representatives.
The event was officially opened at the BRC Basecamp by representatives from the Youth Presents activity chair, the Chair of YRI Central Java, BRC representative Mr. Supriyanto, and the Secretary of Batur Village, Mr. Mudi SE. In his remarks, Mr. Mudi also emphasized the importance of cross-generational synergy in preserving the environment. The enthusiasm of residents and village officials created a warm atmosphere that welcomed the young volunteers.
The team introduced non-formal education on cleanliness and self-development at local early childhood institutions through interactive games for students at PAUD Purwomukti and TK Kuntum Mekar.
In the afternoon, a Capacity Building activity was held through a Sharing Session. From YRI Central Java, they dissected the strategic role of youth in efforts to overcome global climate change problems at the local level and the program’s hopes for realization within the next year. Fikri Syikal from the Bhumi Horta Foundation explained the entire Peace Across the Sea program. In addition, Fikri provided a brief history of the International Civil Service, the world’s oldest volunteer organization. In addition to the contributions that can be made to SCI through the Bhumi Horta Foundation, as its member organization in Indonesia. The host organization, Batur Rapid Response (BRC), demonstrated best practices in disaster management and community-based rapid response, and achieved notable milestones.
To strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between participants and the BRC, a Fun Gathering event was held in the evening featuring games prepared by the committee.
Day Two: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Activity Focus: Real Action for Environmental Restoration
The second day was dedicated to concrete actions to restore the ecosystem around the Village Hall and Thekelan Hamlet. After morning exercise and breakfast, participants were mobilized to the planting sites. The Head of Thekelan Hamlet, Mr. Supriyo, also gave an opening speech. He expressed gratitude for the positive planting activity and urged them to continue preserving the earth’s greenery.
The technical implementation was divided into several small groups to be deployed at crucial points. Together with Bhumi Horta, volunteers, and the local community, we planted tree seedlings. This action was not merely ceremonial, but a strategic mitigation measure to maintain water catchment areas and soil stability in the Batur highlands. Loose soil conditions and favorable weather greatly facilitated a smooth planting process.
After the environmental action concluded, all participants returned to the Village Hall for lunch. The satisfaction among volunteers reflected their accomplishments in contributing tangible restoration outcomes and strengthened their sense of service and community.
Local Action: Youth Present in Batur Village exceeded expectations—demonstrating that collaboration among migrant youth (YRI), the local community (BRC), Bhumi Horta, and village leadership produces a deeper, more positive impact than a mandatory training alone.
From sanitation education for young children, which enhanced knowledge and habits, to tree planting that led to immediate ecological improvements, each activity has contributed lasting value to Batur Village. The ongoing spirit of “Creating a Caring Generation, Building a Sustainable Earth” is reflected in actual changes within the community and environment.
