What Is the TOR Program?
The TOR (Training, Outreach, and Rejuvenation) Program called Dahlan Muda Selamatkan Bumi is a youthfocused initiative launched in 2022 by a coalition of Indonesian NGOs, universities, and local governments. Its main purpose is to empower young people (ages 1530) to become active guardians of the environment through education, community projects, and digital advocacy.
The name combines three Malay words: dahlan (to nurture), muda (young), and selamatkan bumi (save the Earth). The program is grounded in the belief that lasting change starts with the next generation, and that skilled, motivated youth can accelerate Indonesias transition to a greener future.
Core Objectives
- Environmental Literacy: Provide comprehensive, sciencebased training on climate change, biodiversity loss, waste management, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Community Action: Translate knowledge into handson projects such as treeplanting, river cleanups, and renewableenergy installations.
- Digital Advocacy: Equip participants with storytelling, socialmedia, and datavisualisation skills to amplify environmental messages.
- Leadership Development: Mentor young leaders to lobby policymakers, organise campaigns, and mentor peers.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Collect data on project outcomes to inform policy and improve future interventions.
Key Activities
Each annual cycle of the TOR Program consists of four pillars:
1. Training Camps
Threeweek residential camps are held in three regions (Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi). Participants receive workshops on:
- Climate science fundamentals
- Ecological restoration techniques
- Entrepreneurship for green businesses
- Media production and campaign design
2. Community Projects
After the camps, each cohort implements a locallytailored project. Recent examples include:
- Mangrove Guardians planting 20,000 mangrove seedlings in coastal villages.
- ZeroWaste School introducing reusable packaging and composting in 15 high schools.
- SolarPower Village installing rooftop solar panels for 120 households.
3. Digital Storytelling Hub
All participants gain access to an online portal where they can upload photos, videos, and data dashboards. These stories are curated into a monthly newsletter and shared with media partners, creating a feedback loop that inspires more youth participation.
4. Policy Engagement
Each year a Youth Climate Forum is organised in Jakarta, where project leaders present findings to government officials, NGOs, and the private sector. The forum has resulted in three new local ordinances supporting communityled waste collection.
Impact and Results (20222025)
Participants: 4,500+ youth trained across 12 provinces.
Environmental outcomes: 1.2million trees planted, 350km of river banks cleaned, 1,800kWh of solar power generated.
Behavioral change: 78% of alumni report adopting sustainable habits at home and in their workplaces.
Beyond the tangible results, the program has nurtured a network of EcoAmbassadors who now mentor younger students, creating a selfsustaining cycle of environmental stewardship.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you are a student, teacher, entrepreneur, or community leader, there are several ways to support or join the TOR Program:
- Apply as a Participant: Open applications run twice a year; check the official site for deadlines.
- Volunteer as a Mentor: Professionals can offer expertise in renewable energy, waste management, or communications.
- Donate: Funding supports training materials, project supplies, and the digital hub. Contributions are taxdeductible in Indonesia.
- Partner with Us: Schools, corporations, and NGOs can cohost events or sponsor community projects.
Join the movement, help shape policy, and inspire the next generation to protect our planet.
