A climate change forum and exhibition in Jakarta, which ended on Earth Day yesterday, has raised public awareness, particularly among students and teachers, of climate change issues. The three-day event, organized by the Indonesian National Council on Climate Change (DNPI) attracted thousands of people, including elementary and junior high students. The event aimed to engage young people and professionals through interactive talk sessions, educational trips and media training, on issues such as adaptation, mitigation, climate finance and technology transfers. Dimas Sapta Muharam, a student coordinator representing several schools in East Jakarta, said the exhibition broadened many young people’s horizons on climate and environment issues. “Participants gave us practical explanations about climate change issues. So we were not there just sightseeing,” Muharam said yesterday, adding that they would also share their insights with other students. Nearly two hundred participants were at the expo, including government agencies, state own firms, NGOs, educational institutions, donors, and climate change groups. “Our focus was on instructing teachers who are sensitive to global and local climate issues,” said Azizah Ust of Green Teachers Indonesia. “We targeted teachers who can set an example among their students,” she added. The Indonesian government used the forum to raise people’s awareness about the impacts of climate change, and explore ways to combat global warming. “The exhibits and forum were meant to allow for the dissemination of information relevant to climate change issues,” said Rahmat Witoelar, chairman of DNPI. Environment minister Balthasar Kambuaya said the expo also helped map out a national strategy on climate change. “It is necessary to support the national target of achieving seven percent economic growth and reducing carbon emissions by 26 percent by 2020,” the minister said. Related story: Forum plots future for rainforests