FIO's Deep Engagement in Community Activities in Indonesia: Integrate Science and Education to Jointly Combat Plastics
From September 25 to October 1, the FIO delegation conducted a series of science education activities on plastic waste and microplastics in Indonesia. The activities were primarily held at Ujung Alang No.2 Primary School, the Deep Sea Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), and Jenderal Soedirman University (UNSOED). The program included academic seminars, video demonstrations, questionnaire surveys, theoretical and technical lectures, experimental observations, and beach clean-up practices.
The FIO delegation, in collaboration with UNSOED, carried out a community science outreach activity at Ujung Alang No. 2 Primary School in Cilacap City. The event was attended by Researcher WEI Zexun, Secretary of the CPC FIO Committee and Deputy Director General of FIO, Researcher LI Li, Director of the International Cooperation Department, Professor Elly, Director of the Institute of Research and Community Services of UNSOED, and Professor Nuning, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.
Through watching an educational video on microplastics, listening to a presentation titled "Omnipresent Microplastics," observing a microscope experiment, and participating in an on-site quiz, the students gained an understanding of the characteristics and sources of microplastics. They became aware of the severity of plastic pollution and recognized the importance of reducing plastic waste and protecting the ocean. The students also learned practical ways to reduce plastic use in daily life and expressed their determination to start with themselves and become "plastic-fighting" guardians. Researcher WEI Zexun presented a microplastic database to Ujung Alang No. 2 Primary School. Finally, Researcher WEI Zexun, Researcher LI Li, Researcher SUN Chengjun, Professor Elly, and Professor Nuning presented certificates of excellence to outstanding students who participated in the activity.
WEI Zexun delivers remarks and presents the microplastic database
Activities at Ujung Alang No. 2 Primary School
The FIO delegation, in collaboration with the Experimental High School Affiliated to Patimula University, the Deep Sea Research Center of the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Green Maluccas Company, jointly organized beach cleanup activities and a science outreach focused on plastic waste. The initiative aimed to promote the prevention and control of plastic pollution and facilitate the reuse of discarded plastics. More than 30 student representatives from the Experimental High School and local elementary school students participated in the beach plastic cleanup. Experts from FIO guided the students in plastic waste sorting, identification, and analysis of plastics and microplastics. They also joined with researchers from the Deep Sea Research Center and Green Maluccas Company to present on the current status of plastic pollution along Indonesian coasts and its management strategies.
These activities not only enhanced the students' environmental awareness but also inspired them to reshape their perception of the value of reusing plastic waste. It contributed to establishing a collaborative mechanism involving industry, academia, research, and public awareness campaigns for plastic pollution governance, offering valuable insights for regional efforts in controlling plastic and microplastic pollution.
Beach cleanup activities
The FIO delegation conducted a series of lectures and experimental observation activities for undergraduate and graduate students at UNSOED, attracting more than 160 students majoring in Marine Science, Marine Resource Management, Water Resource Management, and Pharmacy to participate. Through a combination of academic presentations, live experiment demonstrations, and questionnaire surveys, the delegation enhanced the students' understanding of plastic and microplastic pollution. Participants actively raised questions about plastic pollution, its impacts, and potential solutions, demonstrating strong interest and determination to engage in the fight against plastic pollution and contribute to the health and sustainable development of Indonesia's marine environment. Researcher SUN Chengjun from the Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center presented UNSOED with a microplastic database system developed by our institute.
This series of science outreach activities on plastic waste conducted by our institute in Indonesian communities has raised awareness among primary and secondary school students, young scholars, and the broader public about plastic and microplastic pollution, while also increasing motivation within Indonesian society to prevent and control plastic pollution. Looking ahead, FIO will continue to work with Indonesian communities to promote plastic reduction and pollution prevention, contributing to the building of a maritime community with a shared future.
Experts of FIO make presentations at UNSOED and donate the microplastic database
Science outreach at UNSOED