Empowering Youth for a Greener Future: BINUS SCHOOL Simprug Students Lead the River Cleanup.
A group of students from BINUS SCHOOL Simprug is taking action to address Jakarta’s pressing waste problem through their inspiring initiative, the Sungai Harapan Project.
Recently, they organised a cleanup of the Grogol River in the Pondok Indah area, South Jakarta, to restore hope for Jakarta’s rivers and create a cleaner environment for all. This effort reflects a growing movement among the younger generation to foster environmental awareness by taking small, tangible actions like cleaning up trash.
Youth Leading the Way
Source : Envato
The programme was spearheaded by 16-year-old Revalina Subekti, alongside her peers, Dhammaputri Saccadevi Chandra and Nesa Aira, both 17 years old. Their leadership and dedication set the stage for a hands-on effort to clean the river and inspire their community to take responsibility for their environment.
Inspired by other youth-led movements, such as the Pandawara Group—which has been involved in cleaning rivers and beaches across Indonesia—these students show that small actions can lead to significant change.
The Sungai Harapan Project, a youth-led NGO, aims to restore hope to Jakarta’s polluted rivers while advocating for sustainable waste management practices.
Tackling Household Waste
One of Jakarta’s biggest challenges is the overwhelming amount of household waste—such as plastic packaging and food wrappers—that ends up in rivers.
Like many waterways near residential areas, the Grogol River suffers from pollution caused by improper waste disposal. While municipal efforts keep some rivers clean, many neglected rivers close to homes are still heavily polluted, and the students aim to change that.
The Sungai Harapan Project’s vision is clear: to restore and sustain the health of our planet’s lifelines, starting with rivers. These students are taking a proactive approach by reducing waste in waterways and landfills through innovative waste management solutions and community involvement.
A Collaborative Effort
Source : Envato
The students’ efforts were supported by Unit Penanganan Sampah Badan Air (UPS BA) Kebayoran Lama, which provided crucial resources and guidance. This collaboration highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives that combine youth enthusiasm with local authorities’ expertise. By working together, they are striving to solve Jakarta’s waste problem.
The cleanup was more than just an environmental action; it was an educational experience. The students learned about the impact of pollution on local ecosystems, and they used that knowledge to inspire others. They hope their actions will encourage schools, residents, and the Jakarta Provincial Government to tackle the city’s waste issues actively.
Calling for Broader Support
The Sungai Harapan Project has not only called for community action but also urged the Jakarta Environment Agency to create more programs that involve young people in environmental conservation efforts. This appeal aligns with the project’s broader mission of engaging teenagers in volunteering roles and fostering a sense of ecological responsibility.
The students’ work is part of a larger goal to inspire the government and other schools to support cleanup efforts and improve waste management systems across the city. By involving more schools and organisations, the students hope to create a lasting impact that will benefit Jakarta’s rivers for years.
A Sustainable Future
Source : Envato
BINUS SCHOOL Simprug supervisors have expressed their full support for the Sungai Harapan Project, viewing it as an important step toward preparing future leaders capable of addressing societal challenges.
These efforts align with the school’s mission to foster leadership and environmental responsibility among its students, helping them develop the skills they need to create a sustainable future.
As the students continue to clean the Grogol River, they hope their project will serve as a model for other schools and communities. By working together, they believe Jakarta can overcome its waste challenges and create a greener, cleaner environment for future generations.
The Sungai Harapan Project, led by students from BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, is a shining example of how youth can lead the way in environmental conservation. Their passion and determination pave the way for a more sustainable Jakarta, where rivers can once again become valuable resources for the city’s residents.
