By Sri Jimmy Kustini

To increase public awareness and encourage real action to improve environmental conditions in two districts in the Heart of Borneo (HoB) region, namely West Kutai and Mahakam Ulu, WWF Indonesia conducted a "road show" environmental campaign on May 19-23, 2014. The campaign activities were carried out in stages in Ujoh Bilang and Batu Majang, Long Bagun District, Mahakam Ulu Regency and Linggang Melapeh, Linggang Bigung District, West Kutai Regency.

The activity included a screening of the documentary film "Trashed" and interactive discussions on waste and environmental issues involving local governments, indigenous leaders, religious leaders, school representatives, and local community members. The activity was also enlivened with regional cultural arts and environmental-themed songs performed by WWF Indonesia's honorary supporter, Nugie.

"The presence of WWF Indonesia's honorary supporters, Nugie and Davina, in Mahakam Ulu and West Kutai is to support environmental promotion and campaign programs to invite people at all levels to get involved in environmental conservation campaigns," said Arif Data Kusuma, Project Leader of WWF Indonesia's Hulu Mahakam Program. "Through this activity, we want to raise people's awareness to save nature by starting to do simple things in their neighborhood. Things that can be done such as not throwing garbage in the river or on the ground, protecting water sources, planting trees and protecting forests."

The activities that have been carried out have received appreciation and positive responses from the community and government in the two districts. The Head of Bappeda Mahakam Ulu, Stephanus Madang, said that the activities initiated by WWF need to be continued, because maintaining and preserving the environment requires strong cooperation from the district government and the entire community. Meanwhile, Assistant II Setkab Kutai Barat Meril Elisa appreciated and supported the environmental conservation awareness campaign. "Environmental campaign activities like this are important to invite all levels of society, young and old, to jointly implement lifestyle practices that are caring and environmentally friendly. Everything must start from self-awareness until it grows into a big movement," she said.