Rara Sekar closes her eyes in meditation after performing a song that speaks of rays of light that cut through the fog as one political prisoner faced death more than six decades ago. This powerful performance, which has become a symbol of hope for the singer, showcases the healing power of music in the face of the climate crisis. The song, which recalls a period of political turmoil in Indonesia, is titled “Kabut Putih”, or White Fog. It was written in 1971 by Zubaidah Nuntjik, an Indonesian woman who is believed to have died after being freed from the prison camp where she and many others had been detained. Sekar released a recording of the song in 2024, working with a group that includes families of victims and survivors of the 1965 mass killings. For Sekar, this song has been a source of strength and inspiration. “When I find myself hopeless doing climate activism, or other activism, I sing it,” she says. This song is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Sekar’s campaign for a healthy environment in Indonesia focuses on a return to “low-waste life”. This approach includes foraging in the forest for wild food and communal potlucks, which are meant to promote a connection with nature. She has also organized bicycle rides on the island of Java, where erosion and flooding have engulfed homes, to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats. But environmental degradation is widespread in Indonesia. The nation is home to the world’s third-largest rainforest, with a variety of wildlife and plants, including orangutans and elephants. However, deforestation and burning of fossil fuels have led to the loss of vast areas of forest cover, resulting in extreme weather events such as flooding and landslides. Indonesia is consistently ranked as one of the largest global emitters of plant-warming greenhouse gases. The main contributors to these emissions are the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, as well as deforestation and fires of wetland ecosystems called peatlands. Since 1950, more than 74 million hectares of Indonesian rainforest have been logged, burned, or degraded for development of palm oil, paper, and rubber plantations, mining, and other commodities. The use of music as a tool for climate activism is a powerful one. Sekar, who also performs under the name hara, says that her songs are inspired by nature. She aims to educate people about the climate crisis through her music, and to inspire them to take action. Key Facts About Indonesia’s Environmental Crisis
| Country | Area of Third-Largest Rainforest | Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Deforestation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 74 million hectares | Consistently ranked as one of the largest global emitters of plant-warming greenhouse gases | More than 1 million hectares of forest cover lost annually |
In addition to music, Sekar is using her platform to promote a low-waste lifestyle. She encourages people to forage in the forest for wild food and to participate in communal potlucks. This approach is not only good for the environment but also for people’s health and well-being. A foundational element of Sekar’s campaign is the importance of preserving natural habitats. She has organized bicycle rides on the island of Java to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats and to promote a connection with nature. Sekar’s message is clear: that the climate crisis is a global issue that requires a global response. She is using her music and her platform to inspire people to take action and to make a difference. Quoted Statement
“But I try to give back to nature in everything I do,” says Rara Sekar. “Not just about the songs I write but also how I live.” – Rara Sekar
Rara Sekar’s campaign is not just about climate change; it’s about promoting a healthier environment and a more sustainable lifestyle. Her message is one of hope and resilience, and her use of music as a tool for climate activism is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. As Sekar says, “I try to give back to nature in everything I do.” – Rara Sekar
The use of music as a tool for climate activism is a growing trend. As the climate crisis continues to worsen, people are looking for new ways to raise awareness and to take action. Music has the power to inspire and to motivate people to take action, and Sekar’s use of music is a powerful reminder of its potential. In conclusion, Rara Sekar’s campaign is a testament to the power of music and the importance of taking action to protect the environment. Her use of music as a tool for climate activism is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. As Sekar says, “When I find myself hopeless, I sing it.” – Rara Sekar
Highlights of Rara Sekar’s Campaign
- Foraging in the forest for wild food
- Communal potlucks
- Bicycle rides on the island of Java to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats
- Using music as a tool for climate activism
Different Types of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Fossil fuel emissions
- Deforestation and land-use changes
- Fires of wetland ecosystems
This article explores the healing power of music in the face of the climate crisis. Rara Sekar, a singer from Indonesia, is using her music as a tool for climate activism, and her campaign is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Her use of music is not only inspiring but also educational, and her message is clear: that the climate crisis is a global issue that requires a global response.
