West Jakarta, October 26, 2025 — APEKSI Muda once again presents a collaborative initiative that mobilizes young people to care for the environment and the city’s cultural heritage through the “Clean Up Speak Up” activity. Addressing the issues of Tourism and Environmental Sustainability, this activity combines walking tours and plogging as a form of public education that is fun, inclusive, and impactful.
The activity, initiated by the APEKSI Batch 7 Internship Team, took place in the Old Town and Glodok Chinatown areas, one of the historic areas that preserves Jakarta’s long history of social, economic, and cultural interaction. Supported by the APEKSI Directorate, the Old Town UPK (UPK Kota Tua), and the West Jakarta City Government through Imron Syahrin, Acting Assistant I of West Jakarta, the event was attended by 30 external participants from Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek).
From Tourism Growth to Its Challenges
This initiative is driven by the significant growth of tourism in Jakarta, driven by the growing public interest in enjoying the city. The readiness of tourism managers to provide infrastructure and services that support visitor comfort is also a crucial factor driving the growth of tourism activities in various public spaces. Furthermore, accessibility and connectivity are also key. The presence of public transportation such as the Commuter Line (KRL) and Transjakarta makes it easy for tourists to move from one point to another. The development of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Jakarta’s Old Town area also demonstrates how the city is striving to create a more pedestrian-friendly tourism pattern and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
However, this increase in visits also brings challenges such as the risk of overtourism, high use of private vehicles, and low awareness of cleanliness. Through Clean Up Speak Up, APEKSI Muda aims to demonstrate that young people have a strategic role in building a sustainable tourism ecosystem that not only enjoys but also maintains urban spaces.
Exploring the City with Awareness, Traveling While Caring for the Environment
The activity began with a walking tour session led by Jakarta Good Guide. Participants were invited to explore the Old Town and Chinatown areas slowly and mindfully (slow tourism). They learned about the history of colonial buildings, sampled culinary specialties to support local MSMEs, and understood the dynamics of the local economy. This journey wasn’t just about moving from one place to another, but also about experiencing the stories behind them.
Furthermore, the activity included plogging, a leisurely walk while picking up trash along the route, demonstrating a concrete action to keep the city clean. The collected trash was then used as educational material about waste management and the importance of reducing waste production at an individual level. This activity collected approximately 660 liters of trash, serving as a reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
Clean Up Speak Up is more than just a walk while picking up trash. It symbolizes a new movement: environmentally conscious tourism, empowered youth, and a city cared for together.
APEKSI Muda believes that a good city is one cared for by its citizens. And change, once again, begins with small, collaborative steps.
Article by:
Ikrimatul Fu’adah Adyan