The 18th Indonesia Focus Conference 2026 

Theme: From Risk to Readiness: Policies for Sustainable Futures, Disaster Mitigation, Climate Adaptation, Religious Practices, and Grassroots Environmental Movements in Indonesia 

Date: 26 September 2026 

Venue: Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA

Background 

Indonesia stands at the forefront of global conversations on climate vulnerability and environmental sustainability. As an archipelago facing increasingly frequent natural disasters, rapid urbanization, ecological degradation, and socioeconomic inequalities, Indonesia urgently needs innovative, evidence-based, and community-driven solutions. At the same time, Indonesia also offers a wealth of local wisdom, community practices, policy experimentation, and religious-inspired environmental stewardship that can illuminate pathways toward a sustainable future. 

The 18th Indonesia Focus Conference 2026 invites scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students from diverse disciplines to explore how Indonesia can move from risk to readiness. Through interdisciplinary research, this conference seeks to highlight the policies, infrastructures, cultural practices, and grassroots initiatives that strengthen resilience, mitigate disasters, and foster a greener future for all. 

Conference Theme 

The theme, “From Risk to Readiness: Policies for Sustainable Futures, Disaster Mitigation, Climate Adaptation, Religious Practices, and Grassroots Environmental Movements in Indonesia,” calls for research that examines Indonesia’s preparedness in facing environmental challenges and its strategies for building sustainable futures. We welcome submissions addressing (but not limited to) the following areas: 

  • Policy, Governance, and Public Administration, including (but not limited to) national and regional policies for climate adaptation and environmental resilience, environmental governance, decentralization, and local government capacity, regulatory frameworks for sustainable development and ecological protection, and Policy innovation for green transition and inclusive environmental futures. 
  • Disaster Mitigation and Climate Adaptation, including (but not limited to) disaster risk reduction strategies, early warning systems and crisis communication, post-disaster recovery and community rehabilitation, climate-resilient livelihoods and adaptation practices. 
  • Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, including (but not limited to) eco-friendly urban planning and sustainable cities, nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration, water, waste, and energy infrastructure for a green future, smart technologies and environmental monitoring. 
  • Green Financing and Economic Instruments, including (but not limited to) climate financing strategies, green investment models and public–private partnerships, sustainable funding for disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, financial innovation for community-led environmental projects. 
  • Community Resilience and Grassroots Practices, including (but not limited to) local environmental movements and youth-led initiatives, community practices in environmental protection and conservation, indigenous ecological wisdom and adat-based resilience, civil society roles in environmental governance. 
  • Religion, Culture, and Environmental Ethics, including (but not limited to) religious ecological traditions, Eco-Pesantren, and faith-based sustainability movements, cultural approaches to environmental stewardship, religious leadership and environmental awareness campaigns, interfaith collaboration for environmental justice. 
  • Education, Communication, and Behavioural Change, including (but not limited to) environmental education in formal and informal settings, knowledge transfer for sustainable practices, communication strategies for climate awareness, behavioural change models for environmental protection. 
  • Health, Environment, and Social Wellbeing, including (but not limited to) environmental health risks and climate-related diseases, social vulnerabilities and climate-induced displacement, equity and justice in climate policy and disaster response. 
  • Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainability, including (but not limited to) renewable energy transitions, digital technologies for environmental monitoring, climate modelling and environmental data systems, technological innovations for risk reduction, green infrastructure and green financing innovations supporting long-term sustainability.

Submission Guidelines 

  • Authors are required to submit a full-length academic article through the Indonesia Focus website (https://conference.indonesiafocus.net/indonesiafocus/scheduled/2025/login).
  • The submitted manuscript must have a minimum length of 3,000 words, including references. There is no maximum word limit. – Only full paper submissions will be considered for presentation; abstracts or extended abstracts will not be accepted. 
  • All submitted papers will undergo a double-blind peer-review process to ensure academic quality and relevance. 
  • Submission Deadline: 30 May 2026 

We Look Forward to Your Contribution.

 The 18th Indonesia Focus 2026 at Rutgers University will serve as an essential platform to exchange ideas, strengthen research collaboration, and inspire innovative solutions for Indonesia’s environmental future. We warmly invite you to submit your work and participate in this important academic gathering.