The spirit of unity must always be present and safeguarded within the hearts of the Indonesian people, especially the younger generation. To commemorate Youth Pledge Day and National Santri Day on October 28th, 2024, the Teluknaga Sub-District organized a series of positive and educational events.

The activities began with a river cleanup at the Cisadane North Dam Canal-78, a collaborative effort between Pangkalan Village and West Kampung Melayu, covering the BCU-78 canal flowing through both villages. Supported by the PIK2 team and ±100 young people from surrounding areas, this cleanup aimed to mitigate flooding risks, protect the river ecosystem, provide safe, uncontaminated water, and even promote the river as a potential tourist site.

This initiative also aimed to educate the public on the importance of not littering in rivers, thereby reducing waste volume that could potentially impact the coastal areas of PIK2 and Teluknaga.

Additionally, the event included the inaugurations of the Tunas Jaya MSMEs Culinary Corner and the Teluknaga Sub-District Square. This opening of a culinary center not only marked a new gathering place in the area but also created a platform for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and promote their products.

The commemoration and inaugurations culminated in a series of social activities, including donations for orphans, MSMEs capital assistance, and the handover of housing renovation support through the Collaborative Action Program for Uninhabitable Housing (Rutilahu), which benefitted 41 homes. Competitions, awards, and entertainment were also part of the event. The aid was presented directly by Dr. Ir. H. Restu Mahesa, MM as Director of Estate Management, and Zamzam Manohara as Head of Teluknaga Sub-District.

“We express our utmost gratitude to everyone who contributed and supported this week-long event from October 21st-28th, 2024, at the Tunas Jaya Teluknaga Square. Also, special thanks to PIK2 for its significant contributions, which allowed us to carry out this event successfully and improved the facilities at Tunas Jaya Square,” said Zamzam Manohara, the Head of Teluknaga Sub-District, in his opening remarks.

The hope is that through this event, warmth and joy can be shared through donations, providing children with basic necessities and school supplies, thus giving them new motivation for a brighter future. The community also received capital assistance to start businesses, helping them achieve a better standard of living and improved hygiene practices.

This series of events also highlighted the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Point 9.2, aiming to boost sustainable industry and inclusive technology use. The Appropriate Technology Competition attracted diverse participants of various ages and backgrounds, from high school students to experienced professionals, all demonstrating commitment to providing practical solutions to societal challenges.

This competition aimed to inspire the community to focus on skill development and the application of beneficial technologies–a crucial step toward building a skilled, innovative society. With the spirit of the Youth Pledge and commitment to SDGs, together we can create a hopeful future through useful technology.

PIK2 not only fosters concern for others through regular Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs but also celebrates individuals who have made impactful contributions through dedication and care for their communities via the Local Hero Awards. These local heroes inspire many in fields such as education, health, environment, and social empowerment.

At this event, PIK2 recognized and rewarded the winners, chosen for the positive impact they have created, whether on a large scale or through consistent, small actions. Award recipients included village officials, women’s groups (PKK), youth organizations (karang taruna), and individuals supporting the community.

One of the inspiring figures who received an award was Abah from Bojong Renged, honored for his commitment to environmental conservation through the Waru Brilliant Thematic Village initiative in Bojong Renged. Through his initiative, Abah mobilized the community to green the village by cultivating horticultural crops such as cayenne peppers, curly peppers, eggplants, and oyster mushrooms. This village has also become an educational tourism destination, promoting environmental conservation and wise resource use, while also boosting the local economy through tourism. Abah’s efforts exemplify how environmental preservation can bring positive change to communities.

Let’s take action, collectively keeping our rivers clean and preserving ecosystems to build public awareness about health and the future. Embracing unity and tolerance amidst diversity will help forge a stronger, more advanced generation.