Udayana University through LPPM Holds Webinar on Source-Based Waste Management Attended by KKN PPM Students

Udayana University, through its Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), held a Webinar on Source-Based Waste Management, attended by KKN PPM (Community Service Program) students and their field supervisors (DPL) on Tuesday (July 8, 2025). The online event featured three speakers: the Ambassador for Source-Based Waste Management in Palemahan Kedas (PSBS PADAS), Mrs. Putri Suastini Koster; Coordinator of the PSP PSBS Working Group, Dr. Luh Riniti Rahayu; and Prof. Dr. Ir. Yenni Ciawi, Coordinator of the Higher Education Team for PADAS. The session was moderated by Prof. Anak Agung Suryawan Wiranatha, M.Sc., Ph.D.

In his report, Chairman of LPPM Unud, Prof. Dr. Drh. I Nyoman Suarsana, M.Si, explained that Udayana conducts two KKN programs each year, and for this period, 214 villages across all regencies have been designated as KKN locations, including 14 villages in the Nusa Penida District. He emphasized that the “Bali Clean Movement” is one of the programs under the mental revolution initiative that focuses on promoting clean and healthy lifestyles—within families, educational institutions, workplaces, and communities. It aims to become a powerful force in achieving the Governor’s vision of a clean Bali. He expressed hope that the webinar would provide students with valuable insights and serve as a knowledge base for their community service projects.

Rector of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Ketut Sudarsana, ST., Ph.D, in his opening remarks, stated that the event is a follow-up to several regulations issued by the Bali Provincial Government, namely Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018, Governor Regulation No. 47 of 2019, and Circular Letter No. 9 of 2025. This webinar serves as a preparatory session for students to understand their role in contributing to a clean Bali. Waste, he noted, is a serious and ongoing issue that must be addressed urgently. The PADAS initiative, introduced by Mrs. Putri Koster, represents a breakthrough concept—“Palemahan Kedas” (Clean Environment)—and is aligned with the Tri Hita Karana values that are deeply embedded in the culture and philosophy of Udayana University.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students to act as representatives of educational institutions and Udayana University in supporting local government programs and, more importantly, contributing to preserving the Earth,” said the Rector.

He also emphasized that this initiative reflects Udayana University’s commitment as an educational institution to support the acceleration of provincial programs. Communication and collaboration with the PADAS team have been established, including the outreach programs currently underway.

Meanwhile, PSBS PADAS Ambassador Mrs. Putri Suastini Koster addressed the participants by saying that instead of giving money, the students were being entrusted with a collective responsibility. She expressed her concern over current waste management practices, noting that our current approach is flawed. Waste that we generate ourselves is being handled in ways that often create bigger problems rather than solving them. She highlighted the situation in Suwung Village, where for the past 41 years, waste from four city/regency areas has been dumped in the Suwung landfill. Now, that landfill has become a ticking time bomb, turning into a mountain of waste both above and below ground.

“We must acknowledge that this is a mistake and refrain from continuing practices that will only lead to greater disasters in the future,” she said.

“We need to evolve to revolutionize our mindset, behavior, and attitudes toward waste,” she added.

She emphasized that such a revolution requires a deep understanding (literacy) of waste, including the benefits of proper waste management and the threats posed by mismanagement.