Global climate commitments and local disconnect: Imagining climate change through Indonesia's community climate program

Abstract

Amid growing global attention to climate change, this study explores the sociopolitical dynamics of institutionalizing climate knowledge in rural Indonesia by examining the implementation of the Climate Village Program (Proklim) in four villages in Probolinggo Regency. Drawing on Maarten Hajer's Argumentative Discourse Analysis and C. Wright Mills' concept of sociological imagination, the study addresses two central questions: (1) how is climate change framed and communicated to rural communities, and (2) how do communities interpret and respond to this knowledge? Data were collected through observations of Proklim activities and interviews with the village residents. The findings show that climate change discourse is largely shaped by top-down narratives aligned with global frameworks, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), yet these often fail to resonate with the everyday realities of rural populations. While a small portion of the community participates in adaptation practices, most prioritize urgent needs such as fertilizer subsidies and food security. This reflects a fundamental disconnection between global climate narratives and local priorities. Despite these challenges, Proklim functions as a discursive space that brings together government actors, private sector, and local communities, although significant power asymmetries remain. The study underscores the importance of realigning global climate commitments with local experiences, institutionalizing climate discourse within community social structures, and framing climate change not only as an environmental issue but also as a matter of public health and social resilience.