Oceans blanket approximately 70 percent of our planet’s surface, serving as indispensable lifelines by sustaining blue carbon reservoirs, producing vital oxygen, supplying sustenance, and offering majestic recreational sanctuaries. Today, marine waters globally are under severe siege from waste contamination, particularly non-biodegradable plastics. Left unmitigated, this crisis will decimate marine biodiversity and delicate aquatic habitats—a threat equally looming over Tunda Island, an eco-tourism destination in Banten Province designated within a marine conservation zone.

Responding decisively to this environmental emergency, Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), supported by PT Insight Investments Management, partnered with the Banten Provincial Government and the Indonesian Coral Reef Foundation (Yayasan Terangi) to commemorate World Clean Up Day on Tunda Island on September 21, 2019, under the banner “Lestari Lautku, Lestari Bumiku” (Conserve My Ocean, Conserve My Earth). The event drew representatives from diverse government agencies and private sector partners. Festivities opened at Tunda Island’s main pier with an exuberant marching band performance by students from the Tunda Island Integrated School. On this occasion, YIIM actively championed the reduction of single-use plastics by distributing reusable stainless steel straws and ecobags as environmental advocacy souvenirs.

The festival showcased a multifaceted lineup of activities: cultural dance recitals by students of SLTP Terpadu Pulau Tunda, musical qasidah performances by local Family Welfare (PKK) mothers, recycled handicraft design competitions, and exhibition booths displaying local commodities such as bonsai plants, seashell ornaments, breadfruit crisps, and Instant Crispy Fish Crackers (KIKI). YIIM also featured its signature Kopi Inspirasi booth serving complimentary barista coffee to guests and villagers, accompanied by free haircut services performed by YIIM-trained barbers. Literacy programs were enlivened through children’s storytelling sessions led by the CT Arsa Foundation team, culminating in a large-scale coastal clean-up and the deployment of artificial coral reef modules by Yayasan Terangi utilizing the innovative clay-based Clarys (Clay Artificial Reef System) method as sustainable coral nurseries.

In addition, an open community dialogue and sharing session was hosted between local residents and government representatives. Serving as a constructive mediator, YIIM facilitated direct communication where community aspirations and concerns—spanning education, healthcare, and socioeconomic livelihoods—were addressed directly by relevant municipal departments. This holistic initiative succeeded in cultivating shared environmental stewardship for marine ecosystems while spotlighting Tunda Island’s exceptional promise as a prominent sustainable marine tourism destination.

Salam Inspirasi!