Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and serve as indispensable lifelines by storing blue carbon, producing oxygen, providing food sources, and sustaining marine biodiversity. However, the escalating threats of plastic pollution and coral reef degradation necessitate unified conservation efforts and active stewardship from coastal communities.

In commemoration of World Clean Up Day, the Indonesian Inspiration Building Foundation (Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun / YIIM), with the steadfast support of PT Insight Investments Management, partnered with the Banten Provincial Government and the Indonesian Coral Reef Foundation (Yayasan TERANGI) to conduct an integrated marine conservation event titled “Lestari Lautku, Lestari Bumiku” (My Ocean, My Earth) at the Tunda Island marine conservation area, Serang Regency, Banten, on Saturday, 21 September 2019.

The gathering opened warmly at Tunda Island Pier with a spirited marching band performance by students of the Tunda Island Integrated School, complemented by traditional dances and cultural performances by the local PKK women’s association. During the event, YIIM championed the reduction of single-use plastics by distributing reusable eco-bags and stainless steel straws to all attendees and island residents.

Key conservation and community activities carried out during the initiative included:

• Coastal & Marine Cleanup (World Clean Up Day): Massive collection, sorting, and proper disposal of non-biodegradable waste along Tunda Island’s shoreline alongside volunteers and local residents.
• Coral Reef Restoration: Submerging innovative Clarys (Clay Artificial Reef System) coral modules—utilizing natural clay substrates engineered by Yayasan TERANGI—to accelerate coral seedling growth and reef regeneration.
• Local SME Exhibition: Showcasing indigenous island products, including breadfruit crisps, seashell handicrafts, Instant Crispy Fish Crackers (KIKI), and bonsai art.
• Community Services: Complimentary haircutting services delivered by YIIM vocational barber graduates and free specialty coffee served at the Kopi Inspirasi booth.
• Children’s Ocean Literacy: Interactive marine environmental storytelling sessions for local children facilitated by the CT ARSA Foundation team.
• Public-Government Sharing Session: A constructive dialogue forum connecting island residents with Banten provincial agency officials to address regional priorities in education, primary healthcare, and economic infrastructure.

Through this multi-faceted conservation initiative, YIIM and its partners strive to safeguard the marine ecosystems of Tunda Island, raise youth environmental consciousness, and sustainably boost Tunda Island’s ecotourism appeal to bring lasting economic benefits to coastal communities.

This program directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Inspiration Greetings!