As part of the “Sustainable Development City” Summer School Program between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Universitas Airlangga, the Faculty of Science and Technology invited LJMU students to visit Kampung Program Iklim (Proklim). To create a sustainable environment, the participation of the local community is essential, and this is proven by the villages in Surabaya. The first village visited was Banjar Sugihan in Tandes District, Surabaya. This village is one of the ProKlim areas that not only preserves the environment but also boosts the economic welfare of its residents. Here, LJMU students learned how to make soap from organic materials such as leaves, which is environmentally friendly. Additionally, this village has turned itself into a thematic village, where residents transformed their neighborhood into a charming tourist destination. Each neighborhood unit (RT) redesigned its area to reflect cultural acculturation from various countries. For example, RT 05 merged Japanese and Balinese cultures, creating the “JeBal Village” (Japan-Bali), while RT 03 was named “Adinda Village,” inspired by Apache, Indian, and Dayak cultures.
Not only did the students visit Banjar Sugihan, they were also introduced to the Sambikerep Climate Program (ProKlim) located 3 kilometers from previous location. Upon arrival, they were welcomed with various processed products made from belimbing wuluh (Averrhoea bilimbi), produced and developed by the local women’s community group (PKK). The various belimbing wuluh products included syrup, chips, tea, and candy. The LJMU students thoroughly enjoyed these treats. “The combination of sweet and sour, served cold, makes the belimbing wuluh syrup incredibly refreshing and perfect for Surabaya’s hot weather,” said Rowan Price.
After enjoying the refreshments, the students listened to a presentation by Mr. Wahyu, the pioneer of the program, who shared the history, programs, and awards the Sambikerep Village has received. Mr. Wahyu explained that he started the initiative by leading by example. Since 2011, he had made a habit of sorting waste, then taught his family, and gradually spread the practice to his neighbors. Interestingly, all the village residents now participate in waste sorting because the benefits are significant for the community’s well-being. The sorted waste can be exchanged at the Pinpin7 Waste Bank in Sambikerep Village for electricity payments, BPJS health insurance, and more. This initiative not only promotes a clean environment and health but also boosts the local economy.
In addition to waste sorting, the residents of the village also work together to turn leftover leaves, vegetables, and fruit into biocompost, which is used as natural fertilizer for their plants. They also built a Wastewater Treatment Installation (IPAL) made from coconut husks and stones to treat household wastewater and turn it into non-consumable clean water, which is then used for irrigating plants.
Under the guidance of the Zero Waste Community, Sambikerep Village’s efforts have gained recognition from the public. They often receive awards from local authorities, financial support, and collaboration invitations from NGOs, government agencies, and universities. The programs in Sambikerep Village impressed the LJMU students. “I never imagined there could be a group of people so willing to collaborate, working together to create a clean and comfortable environment,” said Declan.
