Written by Ummi Nurul Hasanah, S.Pd.
The environment becomes an integral part of daily life, drawing significant public attention due to its global impact on all living beings. Issues like waste management, lack of green spaces, air pollution, and climate change vividly illustrate the challenges our planet faces. This emphasizes the urgent need for environmental management and protection to ensure Earth’s well-being, which requires collective attention and action from everyone.
Environmental education is implemented through Adiwiyata School programs. The purpose of the program, developed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is to instill environmental values especially in students who are the future stewards of the planet. The criteria outlined in the Adiwiyata Guidelines established by the Ministry of the Environment, encompasses four fundamental elements: developing policies, curricula, environmental activities, and the development of supporting facilities. These criteria, mandated by the Government, serve as benchmarks for schools undertaking the Adiwiyata-School program.
Adiwiyata is a program in Indonesia aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability in schools. It encourages schools to integrate environmental education into their curriculum and activities, as well as to implement environmentally friendly practices within school premises. Adiwiyata schools are recognized for their environmental efforts and awarded for their achievements. The program covers various aspects of environmental conservation, including waste management, energy efficiency, green spaces, and community involvement. This is a significant initiative in promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among students and teachers in Indonesia. Students are encouraged to take an active role in keeping their environment clean and thus ensure the overall cleanliness of their community. Schools recognize their crucial role in nurturing environmental awareness among their communities, making this program an essential step towards achieving that goal.
Integrating Adiwiyata principles into various subject lesson plans is an effective way to reinforce environmental education across the curriculum. The government encourages teachers to incorporate Adiwiyata principles into lesson plans. Schools include environmental education in their curriculum and teach students about sustainable living, renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies. Through hands-on learning experiences and innovative projects, students learn to make informed choices that promote a more sustainable future for themselves and the planet.
Forming a school team for planning, implementation and self-evaluation is also an important step in the effective implementation of this program. The following is a brief explanation about each team. The first team is the planning team, which is responsible for developing plans and strategies to implement the Adiwiyata program in schools. They identify needs, collect data, and formulate goals and concrete steps that must be taken by the school. The planning team can also prepare activity schedules, budget allocations, and identify the resources needed to support program implementation. Second, the implementation team. Once the plan is prepared, the implementation team will be responsible for carrying out activities according to the established plan. They will coordinate various activities, involve students, teachers and other school staff, and ensure that all aspects of the Adiwiyata program are implemented well. This team is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating program progress periodically, as well as making adjustments if necessary. And the last is school self-evaluation team. This team has an important role in evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the Adiwiyata program in schools. They will conduct a thorough evaluation of various aspects of the program, including environmental sustainability, student and staff participation, and the positive impacts that have been achieved.
The results of this evaluation will be used to improve future programs, identify areas that need improvement, and ensure the sustainability of environmental protection efforts in the school environment. With the collaboration of these three teams, the school can run the Adiwiyata program well, achieve the environmental goals set, and provide a significant positive impact on the environment and environmental education for students.
Overall, integrating Adiwiyata principles into school lesson plans enriches the curriculum, empowers students to become responsible environmentalists, and supports broader government initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and conservation. By incorporating environmental education into various subjects and providing opportunities for practical application and experiential learning, schools play a crucial role in shaping a generation of environmentally conscious and proactive citizens.
