By: Noverica Widjojo (Sunda Banda Seascape Communication & Campaign Coordinator, WWF-Indonesia)

Last Saturday night (25/3), Earth Hour Denpasar Community held a celebration of Earth Hour 2017 at Lippo Kuta Mall. This celebration aims to invite the public to declare real action to change lifestyles to reduce ecological footprints and greenhouse gas emissions for the preservation of the earth.

The event, which was enlivened by street campaign actions; zumba party; and music performances, attracted the attention of mall visitors and the surrounding community, including foreign tourists. In fact, together they chanted "This is my action" during the countdown to the switch off action - a one-hour blackout at 20.30-21.30 local time - to symbolize the simple actions humans can take to reduce the impact of climate change. In addition to Lippo Kuta Mall, the switch off also took place at Denpasar's iconic landmarks, namely the Puputan Badung Chess Statue; Montigo Resort Bali; Aston Denpasar Hotel; and several other locations.

"Earth Hour is not just about turning off the lights for one hour, but it must be part of our daily lifestyle and followed by a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, such as saving the use of paper and tissue; more actively using public transportation; and reducing and processing waste, including the use of plastic bags," said Andri Purba, Coordinator of the Earth Hour Denpasar Community, when opening the Earth Hour 2017 celebration event at Lippo Kuta Mall.

This statement was also agreed by Muhammad Erdi Lazuardi, Lesser Sunda Project Leader WWF-Indonesia, who was also present and gave a speech. "Earth Hour is not only carried out in Bali, but also in 36 other cities in Indonesia, even other cities in the world. WWF-Indonesia invites the public to take part in this movement, as a contribution in reducing the impact of climate change. This movement is also dedicated to our brothers and sisters who live in remote areas and small islands with limited electricity availability, or even do not have electricity facilities at all, "said Erdi.

On this occasion, Earth Hour Denpasar Community and WWF-Indonesia also gave their highest appreciation to the people of Bali, who on March 28, 2017 will celebrate Nyepi Day. One of the Hindu holidays that has been celebrated since time immemorial, should be used as an example because it plays a major role in efforts to save energy and reduce air pollution.

The environment is the common thread that connects Nyepi Day and the Earth Hour movement in Bali. This year, around four million people will participate in the Nyepi celebration in Bali, by not turning on lights and activities in public spaces for 24 hours to purify nature. The celebration is estimated to save around 290 MW of electricity (four billion rupiah), save 500,000 liters of diesel fuel (three billion rupiah), and reduce carbon dioxide by 20,000 tons in one day. [Source: Earth Hour Denpasar Community]

Both Nyepi Day and the Earth Hour movement have one breath and spirit, which is real action to preserve the environment and reduce the impact of climate change. Therefore, we must support these two things together for the sustainability of the earth.

Salam #IniAksiku and Rahajeng Nyangra Rahina Nyepi Caka 1939!