To mobilize the community in environmental conservation, 80 volunteers from the University of Indonesia participated in a Beach Clean Up event at Marunda Beach, North Jakarta, on May 19, 2024. This event, themed “Interenco X Munvice Beach Clean Up,” aimed to save marine and coastal ecosystems.
This activity was initiated by the Green Polymer Technology Student Chapter of the University of Indonesia (GPTech SCUI), in collaboration with the Community Outreach of the International Student Association of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia (IMPI FTUI), and the Center for Sustainability and Waste Management of the University of Indonesia (CSWM UI). It not only focused on cleaning the beach area but also included educational workshops and community service.
“This collaboration aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire sustained community involvement to protect and restore our marine and coastal ecosystems,” said Adream Bais Junior, Head of the Program Division of CSWM UI.
The beach clean-up event was made possible with the support and sponsorship of Chandra Asri Petrochemical, a petrochemical company that prioritizes sustainable industrial practices. Chandra Asri’s involvement underscores its commitment to environmental management and community engagement.
The event began with a workshop at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia (FTUI), where participants were equipped with knowledge about effective waste management practices. This was followed by the beach clean-up at Marunda Beach and concluded with a waste problem-solving socialization program aimed at educating residents on the importance of proper waste disposal and sorting.
The results of this clean-up activity were significant, with volunteers collecting a total of 107 kilograms of waste, categorized into 14 kilograms of organic waste, 62 kilograms of plastic waste, and 31 kilograms of other waste. The waste collection was carried out by eight volunteer groups, demonstrating the strength of well-coordinated community action.
“GPTech SCUI 2024, together with our partners at IMPI FTUI 2024 Community Outreach and CSWM UI, with full support from Chandra Asri Petrochemical, proudly lead by example in addressing environmental challenges,” said Sabrina Oktaviani, President of GPTech SCUI. “Engaging the community and educating the younger generation are crucial steps towards sustainable development.”
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, M.Eng., IPU, stated, “This is a tangible step in demonstrating our concern for environmental cleanliness and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. A clean beach not only provides beauty for visitors but also serves as a healthy habitat for various marine life forms. Activities like this are vital as they remind us of our collective responsibility to maintain environmental cleanliness. With collaboration between students and various organizations at the University of Indonesia, we can see the powerful impact of synergy in achieving this noble goal. Besides beach clean-up, this initiative also emphasizes community education, which is the key to creating long-term change.”
This Beach Clean Up event is just one of many initiatives undertaken by the University of Indonesia and its partners to promote environmental awareness and action towards a sustainable future.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia
