Photo captured by tournament organizer Pemuda NTT Cup
SOUTHWEST SUMBA (11 July 2026) – Yayasan Balita Sehat Indonesia has partnered with the Pemuda NTT Cup Southwest Sumba to promote climate action through the Se-Sumba Raya Volleyball Tournament. Held at Charlie Sport Center in Southwest Sumba Regency, the campaign, titled “Climate Change Through Waste Management: No Burning Waste,” has been running from June 27 to July 12, 2026.
Throughout the tournament, environmental messages have been delivered not only through banners but also through educational videos, exhibitions of products made from recycled plastic bottle caps, and designated collection points for plastic bottles at the venue. Volleyball players participating in the tournament also wore special team jerseys featuring environmental campaign messages.
“This activity is our tangible contribution to protecting children. Through a sport that is loved by the community, we want to convey that every plastic bottle we sort and every piece of waste we choose not to burn means cleaner air for our children and a better future for them,” said Syifa Andina, Chairwoman of Yayasan Balita Sehat Indonesia.
Photo captured by tournament organizer Pemuda NTT Cup
The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of open waste burning, particularly for children, as well as the impact of plastic waste on the environment and climate change. Together with local youth, YBSI highlighted that smoke from burning waste contains harmful toxins that threaten the respiratory health of young children.
The tournament organizer, Panus laba, said the campaign has greatly supported community education efforts by introducing practical actions, such as providing separate bins for plastic bottles and showcasing recycled products made from waste.
“A sporting event like this naturally generates a lot of waste. With the support of Yayasan Balita Sehat Indonesia, we are no longer disposing of waste carelessly. The plastic collected during the tournament will be turned into useful products, as demonstrated by the foundation. This has been very helpful in educating the community through real-life examples,” he said.
One of the participating volleyball players, Feri, also said that athletes have also actively supported the environmental campaign throughout the event. The slogans displayed on their jerseys are more than just words—they represent a shared commitment to protecting the environment.
“Through this ‘Volleyball Cares for the Environment’ campaign, I want to encourage everyone to enjoy the game while also keeping our environment clean,” said Feri.
The campaign was inspired by growing concerns over environmental pollution and climate change caused by poor waste management practices, particularly open waste burning. With support from Bank of America, the initiative seeks to encourage behavior change in Southwest Sumba by promoting waste sorting, reducing single-use plastics, and turning waste into valuable products to create a healthier environment—especially for children.