Yuli Efriani (she/her)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

Through education, I strive to make environmental awareness accessible and empowering for coastal communities. Together with my community, I developed an environmental education curriculum for schools and published a children’s illustrated book to make learning about coastal waste more engaging for younger audiences. I also founded a local community hub that serves as a center for waste education and sustainable practices.

Our initiatives have reached more than 1,000 beneficiaries, both directly and indirectly, through workshops, campaigns, and mentoring programs. These activities not only build knowledge but also strengthen local leadership especially among women, so that coastal communities can become more self-reliant and environmentally responsible.

In 2023, I joined the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (https://share.google/gnKWRPtJhu5NP4iOi) program, where I deepened my understanding of natural resource management and expanded my network with changemakers across Southeast Asia working on climate, waste, and conservation issues.

Today, I continue to focus on youth community development and women-led enterprises that protect Indonesia’s coastal areas, believing that education and empowerment are key to building more sustainable and equitable futures.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

I come from Sibolga, one of the smallest coastal cities in Indonesia, which became the inspiration for founding Seabolga, a community initiative focused on coastal waste management and community empowerment. Growing up by the ocean, I witnessed the sea where I used to play slowly disappear, replaced by housing areas and piles of waste. That personal loss became my turning point.

Motivated by this experience, I pursued a degree in Environmental Engineering to better understand the issues affecting coastal ecosystems. After graduating, I established my own grassroots movement to promote environmental awareness, waste reduction, and sustainable community practices in coastal areas.

Over time, my role has expanded from being a local organizer to becoming a mentor and facilitator for environmental programs across different regions. I now help other grassroots initiatives grow, sharing knowledge, tools, and networks to strengthen their impact.

My journey continues to be guided by the belief that even small coastal voices can create powerful waves of change for our shared planet.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

People can learn more about my work through Seabolga, the community initiative I founded to address coastal waste and empower women in coastal areas of Indonesia. We regularly share our stories, environmental education materials, and community updates on social media platforms such as Instagram, where we connect with volunteers, educators, and environmental enthusiasts.

Support can come in many forms, by collaborating on community education projects, amplifying our campaigns, or providing mentorship and resources to help strengthen women-led coastal initiatives.

We also welcome partnerships with schools, local governments, and organizations that share our mission to create waste-free and resilient coastal communities.

Through continuous collaboration and storytelling, we hope to build a wider network of people who care deeply about waste management and believe in the power of grassroots education to drive change. 

A Little More About Me

What book, film, or art piece has had the greatest impact on you?
A book that deeply shaped me is Sang Pemimpi by Andrea Hirata. It taught me to dream bravely despite limitations. “People with many shortcomings must have dreams so that they do not die.” That message keeps me hopeful in every step of my journey.

Who (or what) do you look up to as inspiration?
I’m also inspired by elder environmental activists who continue their work with patience and quiet strength. Seeing their lifelong commitment reminds me that every small action, done consistently, can make a lasting difference for our planet. I’ve also always been proud of young people who come from small towns but carry big dreams. I want to spend more time talking with them sharing stories, listening, and showing that it’s okay to dream beyond what seems possible.

What’s a passion project of yours outside of your work?
Outside of my work, my current passion project is writing a personal journal that documents my journey in environmental work and the life lessons I’ve learned from nature and the communities I serve. It’s a space for reflection, storytelling, and growth.

What’s your favorite food to celebrate with?
When it comes to celebrating, I love dumplings and traditional food from my hometown,  called Panggang Pacak and Panggang Geleng (grilled fish dishes with rich local spices and coconut sauce).