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Surabaya administration, private sector unite to preserve environment in Old Town cleanup
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T
he residents of Surabaya, East Java, have taken the initiative to collaborate in preserving the environment. This effort was demonstrated through the "Love the Earth Month: Manage Waste to Reduce Environmental Footprint" program, themed "Clean Up for a Sustainable Surabaya," conducted by the Surabaya city administration in collaboration with the private sector on Sept. 21.
Starting at 6 a.m., the Surabaya city administration along with private sector groups such as the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Kadin Surabaya, Surabaya Next Leader, Sea Soldier, Waste4Change and Sampoerna Retail Community (SRC) under the "Sampoerna for Indonesia" sustainability program, filled the streets of the Old Town area.
The head of the Surabaya Environmental Agency, Dedik Irianto, stated that collaborative efforts had become a good tradition for environmental care. He also appreciated the environmental efforts made by private groups.
"I’m impressed with the hashtag #SayaAjaBisa. It’s important because environmental cleanliness starts with oneself. Kudos to Sampoerna Retail Community," said Dedik.
He hopes that the collaborative activities in Old Town will continue to echo, allowing this kind of collaboration to become a regular event and fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship.
"This morning's activity is a form of our care to protect the Earth," he explained.
Chairman of Kadin Surabaya, Ali Affandi La Nyalla M. Mattalitti, said the private sector was committed to and actively plays a role with the community in preserving the environment. The Old Town is an important part of Surabaya’s iconic landmarks.
"The collaboration established today should continue. The Old Town is now a tourist destination, so it’s essential to maintain its cleanliness," Ali said.
He added that this cooperation was clear evidence that the private sector can play a vital role in sustainable economic development.
"This initiative is not just a symbol but a good tradition," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Cicilia Tri Sulistyawati, representing Sampoerna for Indonesia, expressed appreciation to the Surabaya city administration for its environmental efforts.
She hopes that through this collaboration, Old Town Surabaya can become a comfortable and clean environment. The Sampoerna for Indonesia program aligns with the Indonesian government’s focus on sustainable economic development.
"We are also actively educating people on the habit of disposing of waste properly," she explained.
One such initiative is “#SayaAjaBisa: One small step, a big impact for the Earth”, which encourages the public to take an active role in protecting the environment through simple actions. Around 5,000 people, including volunteers, have participated in this initiative since its launch in 2018 across various cities in Indonesia.
She believes that collaboration and synergy can save the environment, with the government and private sector continuing to support each other. "This includes saving the environment and creating jobs," she added.
Siti Julaikhah, one of the participants in the Old Town cleanup for a Sustainable Surabaya, expressed her joy in being part of the activity. With clean living habits and a healthy environment, many places can be enjoyed and inhabited comfortably.
"Especially now that Old Town Surabaya has become a tourist attraction. It feels very comfortable if its cleanliness is well-maintained," she explained.
