Graduate students from the Fisheries Science Master’s Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a community service activity of a beach cleanup at Pantai Baru, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (Dec. 17).
The event also included a photography competition and awards for groups that collected the most trash and showcased the best creativity. For the cleanup, the 50 participants were divided into several groups and provided with tools such as trash bags, brooms, trash rakes, and baskets for waste collection.
Professor Alim Isnansetyo, Head of the Fisheries Department at UGM’s Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized that this community service activity, involving students, lecturers, and staff, reflects a tangible effort to preserve ecosystems while offering participants a refreshing break after final exams.
“After exhausting exams, this beach cleanup offers a chance to unwind and contribute positively to the environment,” he stated.
The initiative received strong support and participation from the Pantai Baru tourism group and residents who joined the cleanup effort. By involving the local community and tourism groups, the activity aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment, especially in coastal areas.
Dr. Eko Setyobudi, Head of the Fisheries Science Master’s Program at UGM, highlighted the activity’s importance as a learning opportunity and a practical application of knowledge related to marine and coastal ecosystems.
“As a generation involved in fisheries and marine sciences, preserving the marine ecosystem is a shared responsibility. We hope this activity makes a real contribution,” Dr. Setyobudi explained.
The cleanup proceeded smoothly and effectively, covering the entire beach area. The event concluded with a social gathering, during which each group presented entertainment such as songs, poetry, pantun (traditional rhymes), and charades.
Suwandi, an activist and Head of the Pantai Baru Tourism Group, expressed his gratitude to the UGM Fisheries Science students. He acknowledged that Bantul’s coastal areas often face waste accumulation, especially from river estuaries, which peaks between December and February.
“This beach cleanup is a significant help for us as beach managers, especially in maintaining the cleanliness of the coastal area,” he said.
As a result, the activity not only succeeded in cleaning the coastal area but also provided an educational experience for participants about the importance of environmental cleanliness. The initiative demonstrated a collective commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
“This program not only serves as a learning opportunity but also represents a tangible contribution from the academic community to coastal environmental sustainability,” Suwandi concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho