Trading lecture halls for riverbanks, ten students from the Public Relations concentration of the Communication Studies Programme rolled up their sleeves and plunged into community action on Saturday, May 3, 2025. They joined a vital river cleanup initiative organized by the environmental NGO, River Cleanup Indonesia, targeting the Tjipaganti River in Bandung.

Marking their first participation in the organization's monthly routine event, these dedicated UPI Commers were accompanied by Mr. Bagus Aditya Susanto, M.I.Kom., a lecturer from the PR concentration. The effort united dozens of passionate volunteers from various universities, schools, and communities across Bandung and its surrounding areas, all driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

The day's mission kicked off at the designated meeting point, Ruang Edukasi Terakota, nestled within the Komplek Perumahan Budi Indah Regency. From there, the volunteers mobilized, heading towards the designated cleanup zone near the picturesque "Curug Hejo" Waterfall segment of the Tjipaganti River. Armed with gloves and trash bags, UPI Commers worked alongside fellow volunteers, meticulously collecting discarded waste and debris that unfortunately polluted the vital waterway.

Beyond the physical act of cleaning, the event also fostered critical environmental awareness and dialogue. Following the intensive cleanup session, participants gathered for an engaging "River Talks" session. Hosted dynamically by Kang Egar and Kang Lana from River Cleanup Indonesia, the session featured insightful discussions from prominent environmental advocates. Speakers included Kang Nugi from the CAI (Cinta Alam Indonesia) community and Kang Adew Hasbta, a local musician and activist involved with the Asian African Reading Club. They shared valuable perspectives on ecological preservation, community responsibility, and the broader significance of maintaining healthy river ecosystems.

For the UPI Commers, the experience proved to be both physically challenging and deeply enlightening, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Abu Hafash Batula, representing the participating Public Relations students, captured the sentiment: "The river clean-up activity yesterday was truly exciting, It helped us understand firsthand why it is crucial to protect this river for the balance of nature."

Study programme advisor Mr. Bagus Aditya Susanto underscored the pedagogical value of such hands-on engagement: "Activities like this are exceptionally beneficial for students, providing opportunities to step outside the campus environment and actively contribute to the community and environment. Furthermore, these events create invaluable platforms for them to network and build connections with other volunteers from incredibly diverse backgrounds."

The collaborative spirit was warmly received by the organizers. Kang Egar, the event coordinator for River Cleanup Indonesia, expressed his appreciation: "Thank you sincerely to our friends from UPI for joining this river cleanup event. We sincerely hope it was beneficial for everyone involved, and we definitely look forward to the potential for further collaboration in the future."

The active participation of UPI Commers in the River Cleanup Indonesia event serves as a powerful testament to the programme's commitment to cultivating graduates who are not only proficient communicators but also environmentally conscious citizens actively contributing to the well-being of their community and the planet. This initiative provided practical lessons in social responsibility, teamwork, and the tangible impact of collective action on preserving local ecosystems. The programme eagerly anticipates future opportunities for UPI Commers to engage in similar impactful community service efforts.