Melati Wijsen: A Global Changemaker Inspiring the Next Generation
In today’s world, where climate change and social challenges dominate global discussions, a new generation of leaders has emerged. Among them, Melati Wijsen stands out as a beacon of youth activism, courage, and innovation. Born in 2000 in Bali, Indonesia, Melati became a changemaker at the age of 12 and has since transformed into an internationally recognized advocate for sustainability, youth empowerment, and global collaboration. Her story is not only about environmental activism but also about leadership, resilience, and vision.
This article explores her journey, her initiatives such as Bye Bye Plastic Bags, One Island One Voice, Mountain Mamas, and YOUTHTOPIA, along with her global recognition, film projects, book, and ongoing mission to empower young changemakers worldwide.
Early Life and Inspiration
Growing up in Bali
Raised in Bali, Melati Wijsen was deeply influenced by the island’s natural beauty and the rising problem of plastic pollution that threatened it. Unlike many children her age, she did not wait for adults to solve the issue. At just 12 years old, she and her younger sister, Isabel, launched their first movement: Bye Bye Plastic Bags.
The Spark of Activism
For Melati, the urgency of environmental issues was clear from the start. She recalls that she “knew no limits” at that age. Seeing pollution pile up on Bali’s beaches made her determined to act. Her youthful belief that “something had to be done now” became the foundation of her lifelong commitment to change.
Bye Bye Plastic Bags: A Youth-Led Revolution
The Beginning
In 2013, Melati Wijsen co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB) with Isabel. The organization quickly became one of the most recognized youth-driven environmental movements in Asia. Their goal was to ban single-use plastic bags in Bali, and they used creative methods such as petitions, workshops, and public awareness campaigns to make it happen.
From Local Action to Global Recognition
The movement gained traction not only in Indonesia but worldwide. Over the years, BBPB grew into a global network with chapters in multiple countries, all driven by young leaders following the model Melati and Isabel pioneered.
A Landmark Victory
Their persistent work, including a hunger strike and lobbying with government officials, contributed to Bali officially banning single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam in 2018. This was a milestone moment and solidified Melati’s role as a powerful youth leader.
Expanding the Vision: One Island One Voice and Mountain Mamas
One Island One Voice
In 2015, Melati Wijsen launched One Island One Voice, a grassroots movement designed to unite businesses and communities in Bali to reduce plastic usage. This initiative inspired restaurants, markets, and retailers to adopt eco-friendly practices, showing that collective action at the local level can create systemic change.
Mountain Mamas
In 2017, Melati co-founded Mountain Mamas, a social enterprise that empowered women in local villages to create reusable bags from recycled materials. This project combined sustainability with women’s empowerment by giving mothers and grandmothers opportunities for income while tackling plastic waste.
Global Recognition and Awards
Celebrated by Leading Platforms
Melati Wijsen’s efforts have been recognized on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She has delivered talks at TED, the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Her TED Talks alone have received over 2 million views, resonating with audiences across the globe.
Honors and Accolades
Her groundbreaking work has earned her several honors, including:
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Named in TIME’s Most Influential Teens in the World.
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Recognized by CNN Heroes Young Wonders.
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Included in Forbes 30 Under 30.
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Selected as one of Forbes’ Top Ten Most Inspiring Women in Indonesia.
These recognitions highlight not only her success in activism but also her influence as a role model for young leaders everywhere.
Bigger Than Us: A Journey on Screen
In 2021, Melati Wijsen was featured in the documentary “Bigger Than Us”, directed by Flore Vasseur. The film, which premiered at the 74th Cannes Film Festival, followed Melati as she traveled the world meeting young changemakers tackling issues such as climate, human rights, and education.
The documentary revealed her transition from a local activist to a global voice, and it was later nominated for a César Award, one of France’s most prestigious film honors.
YOUTHTOPIA: Building a Platform for Young Leaders
Launching the Vision
In 2020, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Melati Wijsen introduced YOUTHTOPIA, her boldest project yet. Unlike her earlier campaigns focused on specific environmental issues, YOUTHTOPIA aims to empower youth globally by providing tools, training, and peer-to-peer programs to become effective changemakers.
A Go-To Platform
YOUTHTOPIA’s mission is simple yet powerful: make it the go-to platform for young people who want to create change. Through workshops, mentoring, and hands-on learning, it equips youth with frontline skills such as organizing campaigns, public speaking, and navigating policy change.
Amplifying Changemakers
Melati also began hosting conversations with young leaders around the world, amplifying their voices and building a global community of empowered youth.
Melati Wijsen as an Author
Change Starts Now
In January 2025, HarperCollins will publish Melati Wijsen’s highly anticipated book, “Change Starts Now”. The book compiles 100 lessons she learned throughout her journey as a changemaker, offering practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone—regardless of age—who wants to contribute to a better world.
Endorsements and Impact
The book has already received praise from prominent figures:
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Christiana Figueres, one of the architects of the Paris Agreement, called Melati “a young leader combining vision with unstoppable determination.”
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The World’s Largest Lesson described her as “a shining light in a world that can sometimes feel consumed by darkness.”
This book is not just her story but a call to action for individuals everywhere.
Roles in Global Leadership
Melati Wijsen has gone beyond activism to take part in major global initiatives. She co-chaired the World Economic Forum Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) and served on the inaugural Expert Advisory Panel for the Earthshot Prize launched by Prince William. These roles show her growing influence as both an activist and policy shaper.
Personal Philosophy and Legacy
A Full-Time Changemaker
Since graduating high school a year early in 2018, Melati Wijsen has embraced the title of “full-time changemaker.” She sees herself not just as an activist but as a builder of movements, someone committed to inspiring and empowering others.
The Youth Perspective
Melati often reminds audiences that while young people may be just 25% of today’s population, they are 100% of the future. Her perspective challenges decision-makers to involve youth in every level of dialogue and solution building.
Conclusion
Melati Wijsen represents the power of youth activism in the 21st century. From launching Bye Bye Plastic Bags at age 12 to creating YOUTHTOPIA, publishing a book, and appearing on world stages, her journey demonstrates that age is no barrier to impact. She has shown that with passion, persistence, and courage, young leaders can shape policies, inspire communities, and influence global discussions.
Her legacy is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: Melati Wijsen is not only fighting for a better world but also ensuring that the next generation has the tools to build it themselves.
