Bandung, March 23, 2024 – The Student Association of Fisheries (HIMIKAN), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, has successfully conducted the “Clean Our River” activity aimed at raising student awareness on the importance of protecting Indonesia’s aquatic environments from pollution. The event was held in collaboration with the non-governmental organization (NGO) Trash Ranger Indonesia, strengthening the spirit of partnership for sustainable environmental action.
The program was inspired by the alarming increase of marine litter, much of which originates from rivers and eventually breaks down into microplastics that are ingested by aquatic organisms. To tackle this issue from its source, HIMIKAN initiated the “Clean Our River” program as a preventive measure.
“Waste must be handled from upstream before it reaches the ocean. That is why we carried out this program — to address the problem at its earliest stage,” said David Reivaldo, Head of the Aquatic Resource Management Division of HIMIKAN Unpad.
Activity Highlights
The activity took place at Cikapundung River Spot and was attended by active members of HIMIKAN as well as volunteers from Trash Ranger Indonesia. The program was not only focused on physically cleaning the river but also on educating fisheries students about waste management practices and the transformation of waste into environmentally friendly products such as eco-bricks.
Participants were trained to sort waste based on its type, and all collected waste was systematically recorded. The activity provided both practical experience in waste management and a platform for students to contribute directly to environmental protection.
Contribution to the SDGs
The “Clean Our River” initiative reflects HIMIKAN’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the activity contributes to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by ensuring river water cleanliness through early waste management, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging students to recycle and transform waste into eco-friendly products such as eco-bricks. Moreover, the program directly supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by reducing the flow of plastic waste into the ocean, thereby protecting aquatic organisms from microplastic pollution. Finally, this collaboration between students, academics, and community organizations such as Trash Ranger Indonesia also embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showcasing the importance of multi-stakeholder efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
Through the “Clean Our River” initiative, HIMIKAN FPIK Unpad reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and student engagement in solving pressing ecological issues. The association hopes that such activities will inspire more youth and communities to act collectively in preserving Indonesia’s rivers and marine ecosystems for the future.
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