A student community service team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (KKN-PPM UGM), Sekocihampelas, in partnership with students from Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), carried out an environmental campaign called “Citarum Clean Up” in collaboration with Bening Saguling Foundation (BSF).
This initiative aimed to restore the ecological health of the Citarum River by collecting and processing over 350 kilograms of waste found along the riverbanks in Cihampelas Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency. The cleanup program consisted of three main stages: trash collection, weighing, and sorting based on material type.
The Citarum River, known as the longest and widest river in West Java, was found to be in an alarming condition: its banks lined with piles of trash and large patches of water hyacinth covering parts of the river’s surface.
These conditions posed major difficulties during the cleanup, as the trash was often entangled in the roots and stems of the aquatic plants. Despite the challenges, the collected waste was successfully categorized into six types: clear plastic, colored plastic bags, multilayer plastic, styrofoam, plastic bottles, and residual waste.
High-value recyclable materials, particularly clear plastic and multilayer plastic, were handed over to BSF to be repurposed into multifunctional recycle boards, an innovative and sustainable waste management solution.
Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh, the KKN-PPM UGM Sekocihampelas team leader, emphasized that the initiative is a tangible form of student contribution to environmental protection.
“Small actions like this can lead to significant change when done collectively. We must start from our immediate surroundings because taking care of the environment is not optional. It’s our responsibility,” she stated on Friday (Jul. 25).
Marchela Yulita, the person in charge of the Citarum Clean Up program, echoed the same sentiment. She expressed concern that the waste pollution in the river might eventually disrupt the Saguling Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) and contribute to marine pollution if not properly managed.
“A river connects the upstream and downstream. By taking care of the source, we prevent larger environmental impacts downstream,” Yulita said.
Cleaning the Citarum River is not a task that can be completed in just one day, especially considering the increasing volume and spread of plastic waste. Asep Zaelani from BSF highlighted the significance of the action as a concrete effort to preserve the Citarum River.
“What we have done today is more than just cleanup; it’s a statement on the environmental crisis and a call to protect our rivers. Let’s return the Citarum River to its comfort zone, a time when the river flowed clearly, nurturing life,” he urged.
As the lifeline of many communities across West Java, the Citarum River plays a critical role in supporting life and livelihoods. The degradation of the river due to waste pollution is a pressing concern.
“If the river stops flowing, life around it gradually fades away. Stop throwing plastic into our rivers,” Zaelani added.
The collaborative KKN effort not only demonstrated the power of youth action but also provided a strong example of inter-university and community partnerships in addressing environmental issues. It is hoped that the Citarum Clean Up program will inspire similar initiatives across the country to create clean, healthy, and sustainable rivers.
Reporter: Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh (Sekocihampelas Team)
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Photographs: Sekocihampelas Team