BATAMCLICK.COM: On a bright Sunday morning, bicycle wheels rolled through the corners of Batam. But behind the cheerful pedaling was a far greater movement of the heart—Batam Clean Tourism Movement (GBWB). More than just a celebration of World Bicycle Day 2025 and the 16th anniversary of the Batam Folding Bike community, the event became a symbol of love for cleanliness and the future of Batam’s tourism.
Held on June 15, 2025, the activity brought together thousands of participants—tourism stakeholders from Batam and the Riau Islands, Batam city government officials, local communities, and tourism enthusiasts. More than just cycling, they picked up trash, swept streets, and cleaned up iconic tourist spots, in a real effort to preserve Batam’s image as one of Indonesia’s premier tourism gateways.
Batam Deputy Mayor Li Claudia Chandra, who officially opened the event alongside Batam City Secretary Jefridin Hamid, expressed deep gratitude.
“I truly appreciate the tourism actors of Batam and Riau Islands who stand united in supporting the city’s priority programs, especially the development of technology-based waste management. I hope this Clean Tourism Movement continues and grows,” she said with hope.
Head of Batam’s Department of Culture and Tourism, Ardiwinata, emphasized that GBWB represents a powerful synergy between government, the tourism industry, and local communities.
“This movement took place at 10 major tourism spots in Batam—such as the Raja Ali Haji Batam Museum, Welcome to Batam monument, and the iconic Barelang Bridge. It’s not just a clean-up, but a campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to keep our tourist destinations clean,” he explained.
For Ardiwinata, the moment was an ideal opportunity to blend the spirit of healthy living with environmental care.
“We want to foster a culture that discourages littering, instill the values of Sapta Pesona, and promote regenerative and sustainable tourism,” he said firmly.
The spirit behind GBWB is inspired by the National Clean Tourism Movement (GWB) initiated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism. In Batam and the Riau Islands alone, nearly 10,000 tourism stakeholders took part. The goal is to make it a regular cultural movement that involves even more community members in the future.
“We are optimistic that Batam’s image as a clean and environmentally friendly tourist city will continue to grow stronger, both in the eyes of domestic and international visitors,” Ardiwinata concluded.(nata)
