Semarang, October 25, 2025 — Students from the Public Administration Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) carried out an Independent Study activity themed “Publik Mangun Mangrove: Disaster Mitigation Education and Coastal Environmental Conservation through Mangrove Planting and Beach Clean-Up in Mangunharjo Village.”
The mangrove planting and beach clean-up activity in Mangunharjo Village, Tugu District, Semarang City was attended by 20 students participating in the Independent Study program. This activity is part of project-based learning within the Independent Study program, focusing on strengthening the capacity of coastal communities through educational approaches and direct action. The initiative was made possible through collaboration between the students and the coastal community group Ngabruk Lestari (KENARI).
The supervising lecturer, Damaris Bernike Bellastuti, M.A., stated that this program serves as a platform for students to apply public administration knowledge in real-life settings through collaborative and solution-oriented activities.
“Students do not only learn in the classroom, but also interact directly with the community to understand how public policy, environmental governance, and citizen participation work in the field,” Damaris said.
A total of 200 mayor mangrove seedlings were planted along the coast of Mangunharjo Beach with support from the Semarang City Fisheries Office. In addition, the beach clean-up activity collected more than five large trash bags filled with plastic waste, bottles, and organic litter scattered along the shoreline.
The Head Coordinator of the Independent Study, Maulana Muchlis Alfarizi, a 2023 Public Administration student, expressed that this activity is expected to be an initial step for the younger generation to take part in protecting the sustainability of coastal environments.
“Through Publik Mangun Mangrove, we want to show that students can directly contribute to environmental conservation and help build collective awareness among the community to protect the environment,” he said.
Anwar, the Head of Ngabruk Lestari (KENARI), also appreciated this activity and welcomed the collaboration with UNDIP Public Administration students.
“We are grateful for the initiative and enthusiasm of the Public Administration students from FISIP UNDIP. Their presence brings new energy to the Mangunharjo community to continue maintaining the mangrove forest and keeping the beach free from waste,” he stated.
Through this activity, Mangunharjo Village reinforces its commitment as a resilient and sustainable coastal village. Collaboration between universities, communities, and the government becomes an important foundation in creating a clean, green, and productive coastal area.
“One mangrove tree planted today is protection for the future generations.”