Hasto Comes Down to Clean the Code River: Taking Care of the River is Not Enough with Appeals

YOGYAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – Mayor of Yogyakarta Hasto Wardoyo went directly to clean up rubbish in the Code River, Friday (9/10/2026). Through this action, he emphasized that inviting residents to keep rivers clean needs to be accompanied by concrete examples and ongoing education.

The clean-up movement took place in the Taman Perwira area, Prawirodirjan, Kemantren Gondomanan, Yogyakarta City. Plastic waste, wood and leftover stone from construction materials were found when participants cleaned the river flow.

This activity involved dozens of academics from Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW), a number of agencies, as well as communities that care about rivers. This joint action was part of the commemoration of the 270th Anniversary of the City of Yogyakarta and the 64th Anniversary of UKDW.

Hasto said that changing the habit of littering requires patience. Cleaning rivers needs to be accompanied by continuous efforts to raise public awareness.

"We have to continue educating residents, we have to be patient. Changing behavior is not easy. If there is trash, clean it again. The point is to continue educating residents," he said.

According to Hasto, verbal appeals need to be reinforced with actions that residents can see and follow. Community service to clean rivers is one way to provide direct education about the importance of protecting the environment.

"The key is not to throw rubbish carelessly. But it shouldn't just be a theory, the reality has to be educational and demonstrated concretely," he explained.

He also linked the action to clean the Code River to the culture of mutual cooperation which is the spirit of commemorating the anniversary of the City of Yogyakarta.

Hasto appreciated the involvement of various parties, including representatives of the DIY Regional Government, the Environmental Service, the DIY Marine and Fisheries Service, the River Region Center (BBWS), the DIY Police Mobile Brigade, and the Adisutjipto Air Base. This activity was also attended by UKDW, Rotary Club, and river care communities, including KPS DAM Surokarsan.

From Conservation Discussion to Action on Rivers

UKDW Chancellor Wiyatiningsih said that the Code River clean-up activity was a continuation of discussions regarding river conservation previously held on campus.

Through field activities, discussions about river conservation are realized in joint action between the government and the community.

"UKDW doesn't just stop here. We are ready to be partnered with environmental activities. We want to join hands and collaborate pentahelix to create a sustainable environment," he said.

Wiyatiningsih added that this involvement was in line with UKDW's vision as a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Research University. The campus hopes to continue to contribute to environmental preservation through collaboration with the government, society, community and other stakeholders.