NERS NEWS — Ngembat, Mojokerto — BERDAYA (Bersama Dampingi Masyarakat) 2026, a community engagement program organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Student Executive Board (BEM), Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, introduced an environmental innovation through the construction of a Recycled Bottle Gateway in Ngembat Village, Gondang District, Mojokerto Regency. Conducted over two weeks, from July 12–25, 2026, the project served as a community service initiative that promoted the principle of recycling by transforming used plastic bottles into a structure with both aesthetic and functional value.
The construction began during the first week with the design and assembly of a metal frame forming the word “NGEMBAT”, representing the village’s identity. Once the framework was completed, hundreds of used plastic bottles collected by the team were inserted into the structure as the primary construction material. The bottles were then painted red and white to enhance the gateway’s appearance and create a more attractive visual impact. To ensure durability and stability, the team also reinforced the installation site with concrete foundations.
During the second week, activities focused on cleaning and landscaping the area surrounding the existing stone gateway, which had previously been overgrown with weeds and shrubs. Students worked together with community members to clear the site, creating a cleaner, tidier, and more welcoming environment. Through this process, the gateway became not only a landmark representing Ngembat Village but also a symbol of the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The project reached its culmination on July 24, 2026, with the official inauguration of the Recycled Bottle Gateway by Mr. Tri Handono, Head of Ngembat Village. The inauguration marked the completion of the project while demonstrating the village government’s support for recycling-based waste management innovations initiated by BERDAYA 2026 students. The event also highlighted the strong collaboration among the village government, local community, and university students in creating a cleaner, more attractive, and sustainable environment.
Beyond beautifying the village, the gateway serves as an educational medium that promotes the importance of recycling and responsible waste management. By transforming discarded plastic bottles into a meaningful public landmark, the project encourages the community to recognize that materials often regarded as waste can be repurposed into valuable creations while strengthening the identity of Ngembat Village. “We want to show that waste management can begin with simple actions that create meaningful environmental impact. We hope this initiative will encourage the community to realize the importance of reusing plastic waste so that it gains new value instead of polluting the environment,” said Imas Cahya Ningrum, Chairperson of BERDAYA 2026.
The program is also expected to cultivate a stronger culture of environmental responsibility through collaboration between university students and the local community. In addition to becoming a new landmark for Ngembat Village, the gateway is intended to inspire residents to manage waste more wisely and incorporate recycling practices into their daily lives. “This gateway is not only a symbol of the village’s identity but also a reminder that plastic waste still has value when managed properly. We hope this simple innovation motivates the community to continue protecting the environment and reducing plastic waste,” stated Dwi Nur Fauziah, Minister of Social Affairs of the Student Executive Board, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga.
The initiative also received appreciation from the Ngembat Village Government. The new gateway was recognized as both an enhancement to the village landscape and a symbol of successful collaboration between students and the community in environmental conservation. “We sincerely appreciate the innovation introduced by BERDAYA 2026 students. We hope this gateway becomes a new identity for Ngembat Village while encouraging the community to maintain environmental cleanliness and manage waste more responsibly,” said Tri Handono, Head of Ngembat Village.
This program supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting a cleaner, safer, and more livable village environment, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, through the reuse of plastic waste based on recycling principles. It also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration among university students, the local community, and the Ngembat Village Government in advancing sustainable development.
Through the construction of the Recycled Bottle Gateway, BERDAYA 2026 demonstrates that collaboration between students and the community can produce simple yet impactful innovations. Beyond enhancing the village’s appearance, the project serves as an educational platform to raise public awareness about sustainable waste management and contribute to a cleaner and greener environment.
Writer: Imas Cahya Ningrum
