The Faculty of Engineering Universitas Brawijaya (FT UB) once again demonstrated its environmental commitment through a community service activity titled Resik Sampah (REMPAH) 2024 Brantas River Cleanup. This event is part of the faculty’s ongoing efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to a clean and healthy environment.

UB Rector, Prof. Widodo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Med.Sc., officially launched the event and sent off the participants from the UB Rectorate Field on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Also attending the biennial event were the Dean of FT UB, Prof. Ir. Hadi Suyono, S.T., MT., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., and other leaders of FT UB and the Department of Water Resources Engineering.

In his remarks, the Dean emphasized that this is a regular program organized by FT, specifically by the Department of Water Resources Engineering, in collaboration with various institutions and communities.

“This activity is a tangible form of community service aimed at creating a clean and sustainable environment,” he stated.

He also added that the event aims to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental cleanliness. Additionally, this activity is part of a reforestation program focused on tree planting to support ecological sustainability.

Dr. Ir. Runi Asmaranto, ST., MT., IPM, Head of the Department of Water Resources Engineering, explained that this cleanup event has been a biennial agenda since 2022. It is supported by various parties, including external communities and institutions such as Layanan Club Malang Indah and BPUPKI, as well as the local community.

The primary goal of this activity is not only to clean sediment and waste from irrigation channels that have been converted into drainage systems but also to raise public awareness about water quality and sediment management.

“We have involved around 600 volunteers, including students and community members, in this activity. The students are equipped with safety gear such as safety boots, and they also get the opportunity to learn more about community service,” said Dr. Runi.

The cleanup took place in the Tunggulwulung area, particularly around Jalan Angklung, as part of efforts to reduce flooding in the Suhat and Candi Mendut areas. Dr. Runi hopes that this activity will raise public awareness about water quality and pollution prevention.

In addition to being a practical environmental management effort, this activity is expected to serve as a concrete example of research that has often been limited to journals without direct implementation. It is hoped that this event will inspire both the public and students to contribute to environmental preservation.

Volunteers worked along drainage channels, covering distances of approximately 100 to 200 meters, with four volunteers assigned to each meter to ensure the activity proceeded effectively.

Through this initiative, the Faculty of Engineering UB reaffirms its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. The involvement of students and various external parties reflects a strong synergy in safeguarding the environment, particularly rivers, as a vital resource for society.

“Hopefully, this activity can inspire more people to care for the environment and take real action in maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of the Earth,” concluded Dr. Runi as The Head of the Department of Water Resources Engineering at FT UB.