Half a Ton of Trash Removed: How IPB University Students Celebrate Independence Day
Independence Day is a special moment for the Indonesian people. Celebrations typically feature flag ceremonies and various competitions.
This year, IPB University students took a different approach. In line with the spirit of commemorating Indonesia’s independence, a group of IPB University students recently organized a cleanup campaign along the Ciliwung River. The primary objective was to preserve the Ciliwung River’s ecosystem while fostering awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship.
This activity was a collaboration between the Department of Forest Management (MNH) and the Department of Aquatic Resources Management (MSP) at IPB University, involving several partners such as the Ciliwung Care Community, the Bogor City Environmental Agency, the Bogor City Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Boogie Adventure Indonesia, and Alkesa Bumi Belajar.
Dr Mohammad Mukhlis Kamal, a lecturer at the MSP Department of IPB University, expressed his appreciation. “I am very pleased that the younger generation is celebrating independence with concrete actions, such as cleaning the river of trash. This activity is excellent and deserves our support, and we should spread its spirit to the broader community to foster greater love for the environment,” he stated recently.
From this joint effort, approximately half a ton of trash was collected, totaling 445 kilograms. This figure indicates that the trash problem in the river remains quite serious, serving as a reminder that efforts to maintain water cleanliness require tangible contributions from all parties.
This marks the second year the river cleanup initiative has been held in conjunction with Independence Day. This year, the atmosphere felt even more festive. Before diving into the cleanup, participants ignited their spirits with an interactive angklung performance, bringing a sense of togetherness characteristic of Independence Day celebrations.
Through this simple yet meaningful action, students and various parties involved demonstrated that celebrating independence is not merely about ceremonies or competitions, but can also be realized through concrete actions to protect the earth and the environment. (*/Rz) (IAAS/STD)
