The Green Batik Coaches Program is a pilot collaboration between the KNVB WorldCoaches initiative and the Green Batik Pekalongan Pilot Project designed to harness the power of football as a platform for cultural sustainability and environmental education. The program seeks to combine the influence of football with the cultural power of batik by integrating the Green Batik concept into the WorldCoaches curriculum to inspire positive change.
Through this unique approach, football fields transform into spaces that teach not only teamwork, leadership, and discipline but also cultural pride, environmental responsibility, and sustainable livelihoods. Coaches will become community change agents who connect with young people in meaningful ways, sparking awareness and dialogue about sustainability and heritage.
Pekalongan local youth will be trained and mentored as Green Batik Coaches, equipping them with the skills to inspire change both on and off the football field. To expand the reach and impact, the program will also invite selected youth from other batik heritage centers such as Cirebon and Solo to participate, creating a wider network of young cultural and environmental ambassadors. These youth will in turn practice and share the values of Green Batik with local school children, ensuring the next generation grows with awareness and pride.
Objectives
- Empower Youth as Green Batik Coaches: Train and mentor youth of Pekalongan to become role models who combine football coaching with leadership, cultural pride, and sustainability advocacy.
- Integrate Green Batik Awareness into Football Education: Embed environmental sustainability and responsible batik practices into the KNVB WorldCoaches curriculum, turning football fields into platforms for Green Batik education and awareness.
- Build a Network of Young Cultural and Environmental Ambassadors: Establish a cross-city youth network that promotes sustainable batik practices, strengthens intercity collaboration, and amplifies the Indonesia–Netherlands partnership in culture, heritage, and sustainability.
Key Activities
Classroom Sessions
Site Visits to Green Batik Workshops
Football & Batik Practice Field
Youth Coaching Practice
Community Showcase & Reflection
Program Timeline & Location
The Green Batik Coaches Program will take place in Pekalongan City, Central Java, from 2-6 October 2025, aligning with the city’s National Batik Day celebrations on 2 October.
How to Apply?
If you are a university student interested in participating in this program, please check the criteria and registration form in the link below. Application is open until 29 September 2025 (23.59 GMT+7)
Partners
