Semarang, June 1, 2025 – The Social Care Student Association (HIMPS) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Diponegoro University once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental awareness by organizing the Ecobrick and Mangrove Restoration (ECOVEST) 2025 event. This program was held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Mangunharjo coastal area, Mangunharjo Village, Tugu District, Semarang City.

With the theme “Heal The Environment, Heal Ourselves,” ECOVEST 2025 was designed as a service and direct learning opportunity for students on the importance of preserving coastal ecosystem sustainability. The event was attended by 70 participants consisting of committee members, student volunteers from various study programs, and received full support from the Mangunharjo mangrove farmer group led by Mr. Sururi.

The series of activities began early in the morning at 5:00 WIB, with a meeting point at the Undip gas station. Participants received instructions through a briefing from the committee chair and field coordinator about the technical implementation, task distribution, and safety regulations. After that, the group departed for the activity location using motor vehicles and arrived around 6:30 WIB at the mangrove farmer group’s house as a transit point.

The event was officially opened with speeches from the committee chair, division head, and HIMPS chairperson. On the same occasion, Mr. Sururi also shared the story behind the formation of the mangrove farmer group, the motivations behind it, and a real overview of the Mangunharjo coastal area’s condition, which is frequently threatened by abrasion. He explained that in June 2025, his group successfully planted up to 15,000 mangrove seedlings with the help of volunteers, including support from HIMPS through the ECOVEST activity.

At around 7:00 WIB, the main activity began with the planting of mangrove seedlings. Participants walked to the designated planting location and were directly guided by the farmer group. During this session, Mr. Sururi demonstrated the proper steps for planting mangroves, starting from driving bamboo stakes as supports, making holes in the soil, to planting and tying the mangrove seedlings to ensure they grow firmly. All participants then practiced the instructions together, planting hundreds of mangrove seedlings along the coastline.

After the planting was completed, participants continued with a coastal cleanup action by picking up plastic waste and other debris scattered around the coastal area while walking back to the transit area. This activity not only cleaned the beach but also served as a reflection for students on the real impact of waste on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Around 10:00 WIB, participants rested in the transit area to freshen up and enjoy refreshments provided by the committee. This break also became an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie among participants and volunteers. The event concluded at 11:00 AM WIB with a thank-you speech from the committee chair to all parties who supported the successful implementation of ECOVEST 2025, including participants, committee members, volunteers, and the mangrove farmer group.

The ECOVEST 2025 activity was not merely a social action but also a tangible form of student dedication in addressing increasingly urgent environmental issues. Through direct field experience, students were encouraged to be more sensitive to coastal problems, understand the importance of mangrove vegetation as a natural barrier against abrasion, and foster a spirit of collaboration with the community. HIMPS FISIP Undip hopes that the spirit cultivated through ECOVEST will continue, not just as an annual event but as a culture of care ingrained in students and the community. Going forward, this activity is expected to trigger the emergence of more environmental movements, both on small and large scales, so that the Mangunharjo coastal area and other regions can continue to be preserved.

Thus, ECOVEST 2025 stands as proof that through simple yet consistent actions, students can bring about real positive impacts for both society and the environment. HIMPS FISIP Undip reaffirms its commitment to continue spreading benefits, driving change, and safeguarding environmental sustainability for a better future.***