Teaching Environmental Awareness: Home Affairs Ministry's Directorate General Invites Students for Beach Clean-Up in Bali
Bali — The weekend atmosphere along Bali’s southern coast felt different. Rather than simply holidaying or relaxing, hundreds of Papuan and Melanesian university students spent their time in warm discussion and environmental action.
Held in Kuta, Bali, the Directorate of National Vigilance under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia organised an informal discussion with the Soul of Melanesia community on Friday, 13 February 2026. The event was followed by a social action initiative — the Bali Beach Clean Up — at Kelan Beach and Kedonganan Beach on Saturday, 14 February 2026.
Rather than a rigid formal forum, the discussion took place in a relaxed and open atmosphere. Papuan and Melanesian students currently studying in Bali used the occasion to voice their aspirations, share experiences, and discuss the role of the younger generation in development — particularly for their home regions.
Director of National Vigilance Aang Witarsa emphasised the importance of creating healthy spaces for dialogue between the government and students.
“Through this dialogue, we hope to build strong synergy, sustainable communication, and positive collaboration between the government and student communities for a more advanced and inclusive future,” Aang said in a statement quoted on Monday, 16 February 2026.
He noted that students are not only expected to excel academically but also to be active in social activities and leadership development.
“Papuan and Melanesian students are expected not only to excel in academics but also to be active in social activities, leadership, and capacity building as preparation for developing their home regions in the future,” he continued.
That enthusiasm was immediately translated into concrete action. The following day, students joined government representatives and local community members at the beach for a clean-up in the Kelan and Kedonganan areas. The activity served as a symbol of the younger generation’s concern for environmental issues — as well as a simple way to build sustainable living habits.
The initiative was also in line with the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of Central and Regional Government in Sentul, which emphasised the importance of involving all elements of the nation in maintaining environmental cleanliness and supporting the ASRI Indonesia Movement (Safe, Healthy, Clean, Beautiful).