Philly vs. Indonesia: Talking Sustainability over Lunch
My top two passions in life are sustainability and traveling.
When Citizens Diplomacy International (CDI) Philadelphia invited me to represent the local green media and meet with five Indonesians in Philadelphia to discuss the US’s take on sustainability (back in June), I enthusiastically accepted.
Over lunch at Indonesia Restaurant (17th & Snyder), I tried authentic cuisines including Tempe Goreng, Lumpia (Spring rolls) and Nasi Goreng Balacan, a fried rice & seafood specialty. 
The Indonesian group, along with 2 interpreters, were all friendly, knowledgeable and psyched to talk about our shared favorite topic, sustainability.
Here are the highlights of what I learned over lunch.
Political Activism
As the 4th largest populous country in the world, Indonesia generates a lot of resources along with waste.
Similar to our Earth Day (or BP Oil Spill anniversary), Hari Peduli Sampah, AKA Waste Concern Day, is held in February (21st). The day acknowledges how waste mismanagement contributed to a landslide tragedy in Leuwigajah, West Java on February 22, 2005, which killed and injured citizens as well as displaced over 700 people. Activities culminate with Earth Hour and PlastikTakAsik to reduce plastic (and bag) use.
Plastic Bag Regulations in Indonesia VS Philadelphia
M.B. Junerosano, owner of Greeneration was passionate about Philadelphia’s regulation on plastic bags as he’s working on Indonesia’s Plastic Bag Diet.
I explained how I’ve been involved in the plastic bag legislation for over 2 years now and how long change actually takes in the US, even if it’s better for sustainability.
Indonesia has started a 1 year trial in 6 cities (with 400 retailers) for plastic bag reduction efforts. Rather than charging a fee, the cashier has the option to ask the plastic-bag taking customer if they’d like to make a donation for cleanup efforts.
These efforts have collected $800 million rupiah ($11,700 USD), reducing 8 million plastic bags and saved 400 retailers $80,000 USD in operation costs. The trial has made an excellent case for the government to create regulations to officially enforce a plastic bag policy.
Junerosano was kind enough to give me a reusable bag to latch onto my purse, too. It’s beautiful and high quality cotton, so I don’t have to forget my reusable bags again! (Although I haven’t taken a single-use bag in quite some time…)
Palm Oil: How US Consumer Use Affects Indonesia
Palm oil is used in nearly half of everyday packaged products from cereals like Cheerios, crackers to shampoos like Herbal Essences and bath products including Dove soap.
Yet many consumers aren’t aware that a tiny ingredient in our consumer products has such a ripple effect halfway across the globe. Palm oil is grown in Indonesia and South Asia. However, many of the native vegetarian is slashed and burned to clear space to grow palm trees, devastating species and wildlife like orangutans.
When I asked the group about Palm Oil, they instantly had a frustrated response. They mentioned that the Indonesians moderate use to only what’s critical and can be grown naturally, but it’s the outsiders that resort to slash and burn to get more palm oil.
How can you help? Be a conscious consumer, read labels and look for Green Palm label or RSPO label to choose products with sustainable choices.
Going Veg: Mushrooms over Meat
To ease the pressure from the meat industry, there’s been a Meat to Mushroom movement in Indonesia. Mushrooms have spurred economic value as the Jamur Tiram (oyster mushroom) farming took off in the Karah Kampina region.
Indonesia has created many conservations efforts to increase food security like the Fish Farmer Field School in the Segera Anakan Mangrove Reserve in Central Java, Indonesia. Teaching proper fishing methods, cultivating farming without chemicals or pesticides and promoting sustainability are all essential.
Cultural Differences: Sustainability Mindsets
One huge question: Why don’t Americans believe in Climate Change?
Fitri Harwati, who was the Head of Division for Energy off Kebon Nanas, Jakarta, asked the surprising question.
Just like John Oliver questioned, I addressed a few of America’s influences: advertisements, politics and influence of companies in American culture or just apathy. I emphasized that many Americans (especially the amazing GPB readers, obvi) don’t question climate change, but there are still varied degrees based on education, socioeconomics and influencers.
When I asked about the Indonesian perspective, they mentioned some people are ignorant, but there are people who care in a step-by-step movement (similar to our .
When designing a program to improve sustainability, the government attempts that it is 1) easy to design, 2) easy to implement and 3) easy to check in order for programs to be efficient.
Regulatory bodies are similar with our two countries, too. Similar to our (non-mandatory) LEED system, Indonesia has a mandatory green building regulations along with neighboring Vietnam and Philippines. 
Lost in Translation: Are Americans too Selfish for Global Impact?
Another surprisingly question from the Indonesian group was, Are Americans are too selfish to think about their global impact?
I explained that many Americans are aware and have made a recent movement to think locally for consumer products and food. This sparked a discussion on the differences in resistance to sustainability in America versus Indonesia.
Overall, it seemed as if many of the reasons paralleled across the globe. Often in the US, economics and education play a role in whether people act on sustainability although there isn’t one set ‘reason’. On the other hand, Indonesians who resist sustainability see it as burden over socioeconomics.People tend to have compassion and empathy about their local efforts in both countries.
Social Media & Indonesia
Indonesians are social media gurus with the largest percentage of users worldwide, which was fascinating to me as social media manager. Even their blackberries (Remember those crackberries, pre-iPhone era?) have full access for Facebook.
This massive online participation impacts social campaigns, which can gain momentum quickly to raise funds fast and share concerns.
Overall, I couldn’t believe how fast two hours over lunch flew by. My new international friends were fascinating, both their individual stories and background as well as their knowledge and passion.
Even if we feel like we’re in this sustainability thing alone or defeated by our own peers, remember that people across the globe have the same goals as us.
Readers, what have you found in cultural sustainability differences? Any fascinating comparisons in your journeys? Tell us in the comments.
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