Yogyakarta (03/10/2024) – At the conclusion of their visit to Kampung Code, the participants of the Globethics Doctoral School (GDS) 2024 were greeted with the warm hospitality and friendliness from the local residents and community managers. One of the most memorable moments was the communal lunch, or “kenduri,” where food was served on banana leaves spread out along a long table, encouraging participants and residents to sit together and enjoy the meal in a shared, convivial atmosphere.
The “kenduri” not only fostered a sense of closeness but also symbolized the social responsibility of the Kampung Code community toward environmental sustainability. The use of banana leaves as plates was a conscious effort to reduce plastic waste and single-use products, which often pose a problem in densely populated areas. This simple initiative demonstrated how local traditions can work in harmony with collective awareness about the importance of cleanliness and environmental conservation.
“I feel truly honored and impressed by the warm welcome from the residents. Sharing a meal during the ‘kenduri’ not only strengthened our bonds but also taught us an important lesson about environmental care. Moreover, poverty is not a barrier to experience collective happiness,” said Jose Antonio David, Professor at Cordoba Business School, and one of the GDS participants.
The residents of Kampung Code expressed their pride in this collaboration, hoping that activities like this would continue to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection. The use of banana leaves as dining plates was one small but impactful step toward reducing waste in everyday life.
This activity was part of the GDS 2024 visit series, which not only provided lessons on ethics and leadership but also emphasized the importance of social and environmental awareness within communities. The participants are expected to take these experiences home and apply the values learned to their own social and environmental contexts, fostering positive change worldwide.
Author: Arfikah Istari
Tags: SDG 15: Life on Land; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.