Unhas uses Monopoly game to boost climate literacy among students

Makassar (ANTARA) - The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) educated high school students on climate change adaptation through a participatory, Monopoly-based learning program on Saturday.

Head of the FMIPA Unhas teaching team, Saaduddin, in a statement on Sunday, said that climate change not only impacts the environment but also the social and economic life of the community. Therefore, increasing disaster literacy from a young age is crucial.

"Climate change is a threat that increases the risk of disasters, especially in coastal areas such as the Selayar Islands Regency," he said.

In island regions like Selayar, the impacts can include coastal abrasion, coastal flooding, seawater intrusion, and decreased productivity in the fisheries, agriculture, and various community-based businesses.

Therefore, the Unhas team designed an educational program using the educational game Monopoly, in which participants not only receive material in a one-way format but also actively discuss, analyze situations, and make decisions related to disaster risks.

According to Saaduddin, the approach was chosen to build an understanding that climate change is closely linked to the various risks faced by coastal communities.

The Monopoly game also aims to improve disaster literacy, train critical thinking skills, strengthen decision-making, and raise awareness that climate change adaptation efforts require collaboration between all elements of society.

"Through the game, participants are encouraged to recognize threats, vulnerabilities, capacities, and adaptation steps that can be taken individually or collectively," he said.

The activity was part of efforts to strengthen disaster literacy, as mandated by Law Number 24 of 2007 concerning Disaster Management, which emphasizes the importance of education, awareness, and capacity building for communities in responding to natural disasters.

Climate change is seen as a factor that can increase the frequency and intensity of various hydrometeorological disasters, so communities need to have knowledge and preparedness from an early age.

Angga Al Faqih, a student from SMAN 1 Selayar, assessed that the activity provided a new experience regarding the importance of science-based disaster mitigation.

"The material presented was interesting and packaged in a game format, making it easier to understand and increasing my awareness of the importance of disaster preparedness," he said.

Related news: Indonesia's mangroves gain global spotlight for climate role

Related news: Indonesia spends Rp73.5 trillion annually on climate action: Official

Translator: Nur Suhra Wardyah, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Editor: Arie Novarina

Copyright © ANTARA 2026