Balikpapan - Environmental awareness continues to be instilled in young generations through meaningful and educational activities. One of them is the Scientific Beach Cleaning held at Seraya Beach, Balikpapan, on March 29, 2026. This activity was part of a service learning program that engaged students in real action while introducing them to scientific waste management practices.

The initiative began with a student proposal, which later developed into a collaborative project. By adopting a scientific approach to beach cleaning, participants were not only collecting waste but also learning about the waste supply chain and recycling processes. This method provided deeper insight into how community behavior impacts coastal environments. 

The activity started with participants gathering at the campus before heading to Seraya Beach. Upon arrival, they received a briefing and were divided into several teams: the cleaning team, the sorting team, and the documentation team. Each team played a crucial role in ensuring the activity was carried out systematically and effectively.

The cleaning team explored various areas including the shoreline, bushes, and surrounding spaces to collect waste. Equipped with protective gear such as gloves and masks, they gathered trash without initial sorting. The collected waste was then handed over to the sorting team.

The sorting team categorized the waste into different types such as plastics, metals, and paper. Each category was weighed and recorded as environmental data. Meanwhile, the documentation team was responsible for recording the results and uploading the data to digital platforms for reporting and public awareness purposes. 

Beyond cleaning activities, participants also visited the Sekolah Bank Sampah Indonesia (SPI) to observe recycling processes firsthand. The collected plastic waste was donated to the institution, contributing to sustainable waste management efforts.

Through this activity, students gained not only environmental awareness but also practical knowledge on collaboration with various stakeholders, including local communities and educational institutions. They also learned strategies to engage the public through social media on environmental issues. 

A total of 31 students participated in the program, consisting of 18 females and 13 males. Their enthusiasm was evident throughout the activity, despite minor challenges such as fatigue and a light injury, which will serve as evaluation points for future improvements.

The Scientific Beach Cleaning activity holds broader significance beyond a simple clean-up effort. Beaches in Balikpapan are not only tourist destinations but also vital ecological support systems. With increasing threats of pollution and waste accumulation, such initiatives are expected to raise awareness and inspire sustainable solutions among young generations.

Through hands-on experience, students are expected to become agents of change—individuals who not only care about the environment but also possess the knowledge and skills to protect it. Moving forward, similar initiatives are expected to expand in scale and create a greater impact on the community.