When faith, youth action, and environmental care converge in Kaimana.
KAIMANA KAIMANA - Kaimana is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. Yet, behind that charm, the threat of plastic waste in coastal areas poses a very real challenge. Often, environmental issues are viewed merely as technical problems or solely the government's responsibility. However, the actions taken by the Catholic Youth (OMK) of Santa Monika Kaimanathroughout 2025 offer a fresh perspective: that guarding the environment is a spiritual calling—an "ecological conversion."
With funding support from the Cycle 5 Blue Abadi Fund (BAF) Innovation Grant, OMK Santa Monika did not just talk about waste; they moved to change the mentality of the congregation and the community. From January to October 2025, they proved that the church pulpit and beach cleanups can walk hand in hand to create systemic change.
The Church Pulpit as a Conservation Megaphone
One of the most unique approaches of this program was the integration of environmental messages into the liturgy. Historically, weekly sermons might have focused primarily on personal piety. However, OMK Santa Monika successfully turned them into tools for mass education.
A total of 36 sermon scripts themed “The Danger of Waste for Coastal Areas and the Church Environment” were distributed and preached. Priests at Santa Monika Parish, Santo Ambrosius Krooy Station, and Santo Martinus Parish did not just speak about heaven; they invited the congregation to stop damaging this "common home." This message reinforced the understanding that littering is not just a legal violation, but a moral violation against God's creation.
Mobilizing Youth, Crossing Religious Boundaries
The program's core strength lay in the energy of the youth. Through "Spiritual Camping" activities held during Easter and National Bible Month, hundreds of young people were invited not only to pray but also to sweat, collecting trash and crafting upcycled products from waste.
More than that, OMK Santa Monika demonstrated that environmental care can crumble the walls of difference. The beach cleanups they initiated were not done alone. They collaborated with interfaith youth groups, ranging from GKI (Indonesian Christian Church) Youth, GPI (Protestant Church of Indonesia) Youth, to Mosque Youth and local motorcycle communities.
The results were astounding. On World Water Day (March 22, 2025) alone, this collaboration successfully removed around 4.5 tons of waste from the Tanjung Simora Coast. This is proof that the issue of waste is a common enemy that can unite various elements of society in Kaimana.
Data Speaks: Behavioral Change
Did this campaign successfully change behavior? Survey data proves: Yes. OMK Santa Monika conducted a KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) survey at the beginning and end of the program. The final results showed a significant surge in awareness. Among the OMK members themselves, 92% of respondentshave now applied positive behaviors, such as sorting waste and daring to reprimand those who litter.
Among the older congregants (fathers and mothers of the parish), understanding regarding the sorting of organic and non-organic waste also showed a positive trend, although challenges remain in daily consistency. Social media was also utilized effectively, where OMK Santa Monika’s Facebook followers jumped from 474 to 1,800 people, signaling that their campaign message reached a much wider audience.
Towards a Zero Waste Kaimana
The program has administratively concluded with a highly efficient fund absorption rate of 98.46%. However, the legacy left behind is far greater than the numbers in the financial report.
OMK Santa Monika has planted the seed that being religious also means being ecological. They have laid the foundation for a "Zero Waste Kaimana" movement that relies not just on infrastructure, but is built upon the conscience of the people.
The journey is still long, but with the spirit of "ecological conversion" now established, the future of the Kaimana coast looks cleaner and full of hope.
