Semarang, 19 September 2025 — A team of lecturers from the Aquatic Resources Management Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro , conducted a community service activity entitled “Waste Management Through a Plastic Bottle Waste Bank in the Jatibarang Reservoir Tourist Area, Semarang, to Support SDGs 6 and 12.” The activity, which took place on Friday, 19 September 2025, was part of the 2025–2026 odd-semester community service grant programme aimed at increasing public awareness and participation in circular economy-based waste management in the Jatibarang Reservoir tourist area. The community service team was chaired by Atika Arifati, S.Pi., M.Sc., with members Prof. Dr. Ir. Suradi Wijaya S., M.S., Dr. Aninditia Sabdaningsih, S.Si., M.Si., and Wiwiet Teguh Taufani, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D, collaborated with Pokdarwis Suko Makmur as the implementing partner for the activity.
During the event, the Aquatic Resources Department team from FPIK UNDIP handed over a plastic bottle waste bank facility to the Jatibarang Reservoir tourism management. This waste bank serves as a centre for collecting, sorting and managing plastic bottles so that they have economic value for the surrounding community. The community and tourism operators were trained to sort and save plastic waste, which can later be exchanged for financial incentives, such as cash or necessities. In addition to the handover of the facility, an information session and training were held on the importance of plastic waste management, the impact of pollution on water quality, and strategies for utilizing plastic bottles into recycled products, such as plant pots and handicrafts. This activity is a tangible manifestation of support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Socialisation with the communities of Jatibarang Reservoir, Semarang
This activity not only aims to maintain environmental cleanliness, but also to raise public awareness that waste has economic value. With the establishment of a waste bank, it is hoped that the community around the Jatibarang Reservoir can play an active role in protecting the environment while also gaining economic benefits. This aligns with the principles of green tourism and sustainable resource management. The implementation of this waste bank is expected to be the first step towards creating a clean, healthy, and competitive tourist area, while also reducing the volume of plastic waste polluting the reservoir waters. Moving forward, the community service team is committed to providing ongoing support to the community and tourism managers to ensure the sustainability of the program.
