The Graduate School of Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) triumphantly hosted its integrative and beneficial Community Service Program (PKM) under the theme “A Small Step for a Sustainable Pangandaran.” This educational event took place on Wednesday, July 24, 2025, at SMKN 1 Pangandaran, and was attended by dozens of students as part of an effort to nurture a young generation that is both environmentally conscious and caring.

The event commenced with warm remarks from Hilman Aliymandar, S.Pd., Gr., representing SMKN 1 Pangandaran, and Dr. Sc. Dina Oktavia, S.Hut., M.Si., acting as the representative of the PKM team from the Graduate School of Unpad. The program was also graced by Unpad lecturers who served as speakers and mentors for hands-on activities, namely Dr. Lathifah Puji Hastuti, S.Si., Kevin Muhamad Lukman, S.T., M.Env., Ph.D., and Dr. Eng. Santi Dwi Pratiwi, S.T., M.R.Sc.

The three main topics addressed during the event were:

Forest Conservation
Presented by Dr. Sc. Dina Oktavia, this session highlighted the critical importance of preserving forests, especially in the Pangandaran area. The material was delivered interactively through group discussions, aiming to awaken participants’ awareness of the necessity to protect nature.

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 13 (Climate Action) – forests as carbon sinks.

SDG 15 (Life on Land) – conserving biodiversity and preventing deforestation.

Composting Organic Waste
Led by Dr. Lathifah Puji Hastuti, this session taught the students how to create compost from household organic waste. Participants were introduced to a composting tool consisting of a plastic barrel equipped with ventilation and a drainage tap to facilitate effective compost production.

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) – reducing organic waste through composting.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – promoting community-based waste solutions.

Circular Economy
Kevin Muhamad Lukman, Ph.D., discussed the concept of a recycling- and waste-minimizing economy. As a practical demonstration, students were given plant seedlings to be planted in used mineral water cups—symbolizing a simple, real-world application of the reuse principle.

Relevant SDGs:

SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) – reuse and recycling practices.

SDG 4 (Quality Education) – experiential learning for sustainability.

The event was participatory and interactive, involving not just lectures but also compost-making simulations and mini-project assignments for the students. Through close collaboration between Unpad and SMKN 1 Pangandaran, the initiative aims to instill sustainability values in the younger generation and raise environmental awareness—particularly in the southern coastal region of West Java.

Dr. Dina Oktavia concluded the event by expressing hope that:

“Through small steps taken by the students, we hope to spark a large, sustainable movement to preserve the nature of Pangandaran.”