Introducing the Circular Economy through Jakarta Ecotourism

Efforts to build environmental awareness among the younger generation are no longer confined to the classroom. The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) is providing direct learning experiences in nature through the Jakarta Ecotourism Festival 2026, inviting dozens of vocational school students, communities, and environmental activists to explore various ecotourism areas in Jakarta through a one-day tour programme. A total of 35 participants were introduced to sustainable tourism practices, circular economy-based waste management, and the importance of preserving urban ecosystems. Through an interactive approach, this activity is expected to raise awareness that green spaces in the capital are not just recreational areas, but also environmental learning laboratories. The journey began at Taman Wisata Lebah in East Jakarta. Here, participants learned about the role of bees in maintaining ecosystem balance, explored various products from bee cultivation, and watched a simulated honey harvest. The learning atmosphere was packaged in an enjoyable way. In addition to receiving explanations from the managers, participants took part in various interactive games testing their environmental knowledge. From the morning, the students appeared enthusiastic, following the entire series of activities dressed in white t-shirts and caps bearing the Jakarta Ecotourism Festival 2026 logo. After visiting Taman Wisata Lebah, the group continued their journey to the Payung Tunas Teratai Child-Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) in East Jakarta. In this green area spanning approximately three hectares, participants received education on the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and horticultural plants. Through this activity, participants were introduced to the process of planting and maintaining various types of plants, while understanding the importance of green spaces as part of environmental and food resilience in urban areas. The final destination was the Cilangkap Agro Edu Wisata area, also known as Kebun Bibit Cilangkap, in East Jakarta. This area serves as an open learning space combining recreational, conservation, and agricultural education functions in one integrated zone. At this location, participants learned directly about farming practices, explored biodiversity, and understood the importance of preserving the environment through sustainable agricultural activities. Besides enjoying the natural atmosphere still preserved amidst the urban area, participants were shown how the agro-edutourism concept can serve as an educational medium close to community life. Through the Jakarta Ecotourism Festival 2026, Disparekraf DKI Jakarta seeks to introduce the concept of ecotourism as part of a sustainable lifestyle. This festival not only provides an educational tourism experience but also strengthens the younger generation’s understanding of waste management, the circular economy, and the importance of environmental conservation. With a learning approach that combines hands-on experience and interactive activities, this programme is expected to shape a generation that is more environmentally conscious while supporting the realisation of a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Jakarta.