The community has praised Perum Jamkrindo's efforts in the anti-plastic waste campaign in Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Unesco Global Geopark, Sukabumi, West Java. Since the program was initiated in October 2019, plastic waste has significantly decreased, especially at Palangpang Beach, Desa Ciwaru, Ciemas District.
Every Saturday and Sunday, as well as during the year-end holidays, the campaign and appeals are carried out continuously by Perum Jamkrindo, the Sukabumi District Government, local communities, community leaders, traders, and various local groups.
Community leader Eden explained that since the waste management strategy in Geopark Ciletuh was formulated by Perum Jamkrindo, the Sukabumi Regency Government, and local communities, community involvement has steadily increased. Nowadays, traders and residents understand the impact of waste, not only on health but also on tourism. Traders fully support the clean plastic waste movement by regularly urging visitors to dispose of waste in the bins provided by Jamkrindo. They also encourage visitors to reduce plastic use.
"We, the community and traders, regularly provide appeals, especially every weekend, and invite everyone to help clean up the waste around the beach. Every weekend, the area is crowded with visitors, so this activity should continue," said Eden.
He expressed gratitude to Perum Jamkrindo for initiating the anti-plastic waste campaign in Geopark Ciletuh. He hopes that the programs carried out will raise public awareness to maintain cleanliness in the surrounding environment. "The amount of waste on weekends and during the New Year celebrations has decreased significantly compared to before, as public awareness has improved," Eden added.
Yudi Mulyadi, Chairman of the Ciletuh Homestay Association, stated that since the campaign started in Palangpang Beach, Puncak Darma, Curug Sodong, and Curug Cimarinjung, public awareness of the importance of maintaining the environment from plastic waste has continued to grow. Homestay owners have also seen positive impacts, as the Geopark Ciletuh area is attracting more tourists, thus increasing homestay occupancy.
"We believe that with a clean environment, tourists will be more comfortable spending time in the Ciletuh Geopark area," said Yudi.
The Head of Ciwaru Village, Taopik Guntur Rochmi, also observed an increase in public awareness regarding the importance of keeping the environment free from plastic waste.
"Now, in many places in Ciwaru, discussions about waste have become more frequent. The amount of plastic waste scattered in tourist areas has also significantly decreased. I hope that, even though it’s gradual, this activity will succeed," said Taopik.
The anti-plastic waste campaign in Ciletuh Palabuhan Ratu Unesco Global Geopark by Perum Jamkrindo is a follow-up to the agreement with the Sukabumi Regency Government to help boost the local economy. By raising awareness of the need to manage plastic waste, local economies can improve. This happens because a plastic-free tourist area adds value, making it a new destination in Sukabumi Regency. The campaign, which started at Palangpang Beach, Desa Ciwaru, will continue in 7 other districts in Sukabumi Regency that are part of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Unesco Global Geopark.
Perum Jamkrindo President Director Randi Anto explained that this collaborative activity in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area would continue for the next three years and supports the government's Indonesia Plastic Waste-Free 2025 initiative.
"We have carried out various community empowerment activities in many areas, even in remote regions outside Java. As part of our contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we initiated this activity in the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark," said Randi Anto.
Perum Jamkrindo and the Sukabumi Regency Government continuously carry out empowerment programs, rather than providing mere charity.
Sukabumi Regent Marwan Hamami stated that the agreement with Perum Jamkrindo is a strategic step to advance the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark area. "We would like to thank Perum Jamkrindo for participating in the development of the Ciletuh Palabuhanratu Geopark. We hope that this collaboration will bring positive results for the community," said Marwan.