In Indonesia, networks of mothers provide a critical opportunity to democratize the issue of climate change and climate action on a personal and family level. However, a purely behavioral approach is insufficient. It is crucial to equip mothers with the understanding that local climate impacts such as air pollution, resource scarcity, and disaster vulnerability, are often rooted in national and international policy choices, political accountability, and economic structures.

Successful cases show that when mothers are made aware of this systemic link, they move beyond individual actions. They can lead by example by adopting sustainable lifestyles, but more powerfully, they can inspire and mobilize communities to demand policy change and greater political ambition. Engaging with mothers is impactful, as it helps elevate a group that is often sidelined in national political and economic decision-making, transforming them into a powerful political constituency for climate justice.

Since end of 2023, BBB has started to see the issue of climate change and energy transition not just as an environmental concern, but as a topic that must be mainstreamed among mothers as a political issue. This is to ensure that the progress in climate action can be driven by this highly motivated group, and crucially, that the policy direction at local and national levels truly caters to the diverse needs and priorities of the communities represented by this group of mothers. By understanding the levers of power and policy, mothers can transition from being recipients of climate impacts to active agents in political and community mobilization.

Introducing: Fellowship for Mother-Leaders

Partnering with Think Policy, Buibu Baca Buku is pioneering a capacity-building program for women community leaders, especially mothers, who want to drive systemic change in social, environmental, and political issues.

We are empowering 10 mothers active in various women’s communities to better understand that local climate impacts, such as air pollution, resource scarcity, and disaster vulnerability, are often rooted in national and international policy choices, political accountability, and economic structures.

The first batch of fellows takes place in January 2026, with an in-person class, a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning for 6 weeks, and ends in April 2026 with an in-person ‘graduation’ event that also serves as a community networking session, during which the fellows will share their capstone projects. Think Policy provides the curriculum, while Buibu Baca Buku ensures that such a complex and broad subject is addressed in a relevant manner for the mothers’ community.

Are you interested in participating?

While our Pilot Batch of Fellowship is currently by invitation only, there are still many ways to get involved in the movement:

• Join our Public Class: We open some sessions to the public! Follow us on @bbbbookclub to be the first to know when registrations open

• Future Fellows & Collaborators: Do you see yourself in our next cohort or want to partner with us? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at hello@buibubacabuku.com 🙂

---