IMPLEMENTATION OF ECOLOGICAL VALUES ​​AND SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP ACTION PROGRAM IN TANJUNG SURAT VILLAGE, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Environmental cleanliness is a fundamental aspect of community well-being and sustainability. However, in many rural coastal areas, environmental awareness and waste management practices remain limited. This community service program, titled “Aksi Bersih Lingkungan: Implementation of Ecological Values and Social Participation,” was conducted in Kampung Tanjung Surat, Johor, Malaysia, with the objective of fostering ecological consciousness and strengthening community participation in environmental care. The program applied a participatory and collaborative approach involving students from Universitas Riau Kepulauan (Indonesia), Universitas Ibnu Sina, Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan (Malaysia), and local residents. Core activities included beach and mosque-yard clean-ups, repainting public facilities, and environmental education sessions. The implementation emphasized hands-on engagement and cross-cultural collaboration as a form of experiential learning. As a result, the program significantly improved the cleanliness and aesthetics of public spaces, removed approximately 70 kilograms of waste, and increased the residents’ sense of environmental responsibility. Beyond physical outcomes, the initiative successfully cultivated behavioral changes and strengthened collective awareness of sustainable ecological practices. This program demonstrates that community-based collaboration can effectively promote environmental stewardship and long-term social transformation.