Pemberdayaan Masyarakat melalui Edukasi dan Aksi Partisipatif dalam Pengelolaan Kebersihan Sungai di Desa Watukebo, Banyuwangi

Abstract

The problem of trash in the river environment of Watukebo Village, Wongsorejo Subdistrict, Banyuwangi Regency, is still evident from the presence of household waste and the habit of some residents to dispose of trash into the river. These conditions highlight the need to raise public awareness and increase community involvement in maintaining environmental cleanliness. This community service program aims to increase the community’s knowledge, awareness, and participation in waste management and to collectively maintain the cleanliness of the river. The program employs a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach that involves the community, village officials, and Community Service Program (KKN) students in the processes of problem identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The program was implemented through four activities: raising awareness about waste management through community cooperation; a joint river cleanup with the community; installing signs prohibiting the disposal of trash in the river; and submitting a proposal to the village government to install river nets and fences. Data were collected through participatory observation, interviews, discussions, and documentation, and were subsequently analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods. The results of the activities demonstrated community involvement in the cleanup efforts, improved river cleanliness, and the availability of reminders to prevent waste disposal. The proposal for river nets and fences also serves as a follow-up measure to support sustainable environmental management. Thus, education and participatory actions can serve as efforts to raise public awareness about river cleanliness.