A total of 39 students and lecturers from four countries, participating in the 2025 Global Intercultural Project Experience (GIPE), carried out an environmental care action in Pulau Untung Jawa Urban Village, North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Thousand Islands.

Untung Jawa Island Urban Village Head, Sidartawan, warmly welcomed and appreciated the environmental care action, as it provides real benefits.

"We, from the Thousand Islands Regency, fully support this program because it can address waste issues and boost tourism," he said, Wednesday (7/23).

He hopes that the students and lecturers involved in this activity can promote and introduce the potential of Thousand Islands.

"We sincerely hope this activity can bring a positive impact to tourism advancement in Thousand Islands," he added.

Person in Charge of 2025 GIPE and representative from Atma Jaya Catholic University (Unika), Agung Nugroho, explained that the participants were came from Westphalian Universitas of Applied Sciences (Germany), San Pablo Catholic University (Peru), Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia), and Atma Jaya Catholic University.

According to him, GIPE is a program that facilitates interactive and collaboration for students to gain real work experience while addressing environmental issues.

"This year, we focus on community development in Untung Jawa Island, from restoring the natural environment to empowering the local community," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Untung Jawa Island's Puja Berhias Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), Rusli, added that the students carried out various activities, including presentations on digital technology integration projects, environmental science, business, and sustainable development.

Additionally, they will cleanup Rambut Island coastal area, planting mangrove trees, and restoring coral reef.

"Hopefully, collaboration between Pokdarwis, academic institutions, and government can raise public awareness about environmental issues," he said.