A commendable effort on World Cleanup Day 2023 led to the collection of a staggering 940 kg of trash on Buluh Island in Batam, an event that spanned from the morning to the afternoon of 16th September.
Initiated by Let’s Do It! Indonesia in 2014, the World Cleanup Day is part of the global Let’s Do It! World Movement. This annual event has seen growing participation, with this year involving 13 million volunteers across 191 countries and 34 provinces in Indonesia.
Batam boasted an impressive turnout, with thousands, including students, citizens, government agencies, and security personnel, gathering at 16 event spots across the city.
The cleanup activity commenced on a healthy note with an aerobics session at SMAN 11 Batam high school. Subsequently, volunteers embarked on their mission, cleaning up designated areas on the island.
Nessa, the WCD Batam Coordinator at Buluh Island, highlighted the expansion in action points compared to the previous year and expressed her optimism for the future. She emphasized that such initiatives should spur societal consciousness towards the environment.
Unique to Buluh Island’s Cleanup Day, three distinct activities were planned, starting with an event in July, followed by the current cleanup operation and a forthcoming waste management training session.
Muhammad Arpin, the local leader of Buluh Island, expressed his appreciation to all volunteers and local residents. He voiced hope for the perpetuation of such endeavors to foster a cleaner environment.
The dedication shown by volunteers in Batam, especially on Buluh Island, not only serves as a testament to the collective environmental responsibility but also sets a benchmark for neighboring regions like Singapore. For international visitors, a cleaner Batam can enhance tourism appeal, fostering a more environment-friendly tourist experience.
On World Cleanup Day 2023, Buluh Island in Batam showcased an impressive environmental initiative, collecting 940 kg of trash. Stemming from Let’s Do It! Indonesia’s vision, the effort spanned 191 countries and resonates with a global call for cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
Source: Gokepri (2023)
