Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), along with the Keluarga Alumni Universitas Gadjah Mada (KAGAMA) from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and students from the Community Service Program (KKN), held a beach cleanup at Warna Oesapa Beach in Kupang on Saturday (20/7). The event was attended by UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito, and KAGAMA NTT Regional Chair Robert P. Fanggidae, S.E. The initiative was also supported by Bank Tanaoba Lais Manekat (TLM).
UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia highlighted that waste management is a serious concern for UGM, not just in Yogyakarta but also in other regions. She emphasized the need to develop new habits that support sustainability, starting with changes in waste production and management.
“Today’s activity marks the beginning. We hope to establish systems that make Kupang a model for waste management development in NTT,” Prof. Ova said.
Robert P. Fanggidae, Chair of KAGAMA NTT, noted that Kupang currently lacks an effective waste management system. The city produces 233 tons of waste daily, but its waste management relies on unsanitary landfills.
“We still lack a good waste management system, which is also a challenge for KAGAMA to coordinate with the Kupang City Government. We hope initiatives like this will continue,” Robert added.
Dr. Arie Sujito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, emphasized the importance of KKN students’ roles in raising public awareness about waste management.
“KKN is not just about learning from the community but also implementing what we know to make improvements and innovations,” Dr. Arie stated.
During the community service activity, KAGAMA also donated trash bins for the beach area. This event is part of UGM and KAGAMA’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Through collaboration with KAGAMA NTT and KKN students, UGM aims to contribute to responsible waste management and promote a clean and healthy environment in NTT.
[Alumni Office: Kamila, Translated: Aldiza, Photo: Dea]