Caring for Coastal Ecosystems, 27 UNNES Elementary School Teacher Education Students Hold Beach Cleanup in Jepara

JEPARA – Twenty-seven students from the Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Program at Semarang State University (UNNES), who are members of the “0 MDPL KOALA 14” movement, held a concrete environmental cleanup. The action took place at Bondo Beach, Bondo Village, Bangsri District, Jepara Regency, Central Java, on Sunday morning (April 26, 2026).

The main focus of this action was to clean the beach of plastic waste and other waste that could potentially damage and threaten the marine ecosystem. The activity, which took place amidst the gentle sea breeze off the Jepara coast, was a concrete manifestation of their support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Point 13 concerning Climate Change Management.

The students, aspiring educators, took this tactical step in light of the increasing threat of climate change. This situation is further exacerbated by human behavior that lacks environmental concern, especially in coastal areas that are highly vulnerable to pollution.

​In the field, these 27 UNNES students went beyond collecting trash. In a spirit of togetherness, they sorted the waste they found and educated each other on the importance of reducing the use of single-use plastics, a small step that can have a big impact on the earth.

​The atmosphere of the activity, initially filled with typical student laughter, gradually transformed into a moment of deep reflection on the significant responsibility the younger generation bears for environmental sustainability.

​Through the “0 MDPL” movement, the UNNES PGSD students hope to leave more than just footprints on the sand of Bondo Beach. More than that, they want to instill a sense of caring that will inspire the wider community to work together to protect nature for a more sustainable future.