USM, PENANG, 27 Januari 2026 - A gotong-royong (community clean-up) activity on Pulau Songsong, at Yan in Kedah had been held with the participation of several local agencies, recently.

The programme was organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) and the Yan District Council, Kedah. The local agencies involved include the Health Department, Hospital, Police, the Fire and Rescue Department in the district of Yan.

The programme was also held as part of the tourism promotion of the state, under the theme of “Experience Kedah”.

The involvement of various agencies and community groups was intentional rather than coincidental. Pulau Songsong has undergone an extensive beautification project, therefore the state government is opening opportunities for interested communities to participate in island clean-up efforts.

A representative of ‘Experience Kedah’, Mohammad Juhaidi explained that Community-Based Tourism (CBT) has proven to be an effective approach in supporting environmental conservation initiatives on the island.

Despite ongoing efforts to support several of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ‘Experience Kedah’ continues to face challenges in managing Pulau Songsong.

In relation to ‘SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)’, improvements are still needed in the provision of basic facilities, such as clean and adequate toilets, to ensure visitor comfort. Furthermore, in support of ‘SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)’, visitors are encouraged to take responsibility for the waste that they generate. ‘Experience Kedah’ also hopes for stricter monitoring and enforcement by both management and local authorities to safeguard the island’s long-term sustainability.

Even with limited basic facilities available, ‘Experience Kedah’ and the Yan District Council have continued efforts to improve Pulau Songsong’s image among domestic and international visitors. According to a Yan District Council representative known as Amir, development is being carried out in stages, with a focus on environmental readiness and sustainable management.

The island’s development further aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflecting collaborative efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and the local community.

Amir noted that the island has shown significant improvement over time, with ongoing programmes aimed at preserving its natural environment, while also attracting tourists. Since 2018, the local community has been actively involved in conservation and promotional initiatives, with Pulau Songsong as the main focus.

Pulau Songsong, a 25-hectare island off the coast of Yan, Kedah, remains relatively unknown despite its importance to the local fishing community. While the island is occasionally visited by fishermen, limited facilities and low visitor awareness have contributed to environmental maintenance challenges. In 2025, the Yan District Government began focusing on the island’s development as a potential tourism destination, marking the start of official initiatives after years without a structured development plan.

 

Participation of USM and Universitas Negeri Semarang

Recognising the island’s strong potential, the Yan District Council in Kedah initiated collaborative efforts by inviting various community groups to contribute to the island’s improvement.

A collaborative participation involving Team International GIAT 3 from Universitas Negeri Semarang, and from USM, took part in the initiative alongside other local communities. GIAT (Growing, Impactful, Awareness, and Teamwork) is an initiative by Universitas Negeri Semarang designed to enhance students’ experiential learning through community engagement.

The programme is implemented at both the national and international levels. The International GIAT programme, which is not a new initiative, has been reintroduced as a platform for international collaboration and cross-cultural learning. For this edition, 10 students were selected to participate in International GIAT 3, marking a collaborative effort between Universitas Negeri Semarang and USM.

The collaborative activity focused on cleaning the Pulau Songsong coastal areas from marine debris and waste brought in by ocean currents. Beyond environmental conservation, the programme also served as a platform for cross-border collaboration, fostering the values of mutual cooperation and social awareness among participants.

Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Associate Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shaharudin, said the involvement of UNNES students is a strategic effort to promote Pulau Songsong at the regional and international levels, while supporting the Yan District Council’s agenda. He noted that, beyond contributing to on-site activities, the students also serve as ambassadors in introducing the island abroad, including in Indonesia.

“The participation of international students not only provides valuable learning experiences but also helps introduce Pulau Songsong to the wider world ahead of its full programme launch in January 2026,” he said.

The collaborative initiatives reflect a long-term plan to develop Pulau Songsong as a sustainable, nature-based, and community-based tourism destination, involving close cooperation between government agencies, local communities, and educational institutions.

Text: Khalilah Aisyah M & Anri Apridi S. (Universitas Negeri Semarang), Muhammad Febriansyah, School of Social Sciences

Photos: Khalilah Aisyah M & Anri Apridi S. (Universitas Negeri Semarang)